Superficial Foveal Avascular Zone Area Research Articles

Evaluation of Long-term Posterior Segment Parameters in Children Who Had Recovered From Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome.

To evaluate long-term posterior segment findings in children recovering from multisystemic inflammatory syndrome (MIS-C) associated with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2. Our study included 22 patients who were admitted to an intensive care unit with a diagnosis of MIS-C between November 2021 and March 2022, and 25 healthy controls. The study included pediatric patients who had an eye examination an average of 12.35 ± 2.18 months after recovery from MIS-C. Detailed eye examinations and measurements of all participants were obtained retrospectively from patient files. Posterior segment parameters were measured using swept-source optical coherence tomography (OCT) and OCT-angiography (OCT-A); these parameters included peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (pRNFL) thickness, central macular thickness (CMT), subfoveal choroidal thickness (SCT), macular vascular densities (VD), and foveal avascular zone (FAZ) area. Mean age was 9.7 ± 3.6 years in the MIS-C group and 10.6 ± 2.8 years in the healthy control group (P = 0.316). There were no statistically significant differences between the MIS-C group and the healthy control group in terms of pRNFL thickness, CMT, and SCT. However, in the MIS-C group, the macular superficial vascular plexus and deep vascular plexus showed significantly lower VD in the superior, inferior, nasal, and temporal quadrants compared to the healthy controls (P < 0.05 for all). A comparison of the superficial and deep FAZ area parameters of both groups showed no statistically significant difference (P > 0.05). We showed that patients who had recovered from MIS-C had retinal vascular damage at the long-term follow-up. Following up with these patients after recovery with OCT and OCT-A, which are noninvasive methods commonly used in the detailed evaluation of the posterior segment of the eye, could be beneficial for understanding the long-term effects of MIS-C on retinal microvasculature. [Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina 2024;55:518-526.].

Investigation of factors that may affect the foveal avascular zone: An optical coherence tomography angiography study

SIGNIFICANCE An understanding of factors that affect the foveal avascular zone (FAZ) in healthy eyes may aid in the early identification of patients at risk of retinal pathology, thereby allowing better management and preventive measures to be implemented. PURPOSE The size and shape of the FAZ can change due to retinal diseases associated with oxidative stress, including diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, and macular degeneration. This study aimed to assess the relationship, if any, between factors that may affect the superficial FAZ (i.e., vessel density, vessel perfusion, overweight/obesity) and possible links with macular pigment optical density in young, healthy participants. METHODS One hundred thirty-nine participants aged 18 to 35 years were recruited to this cross-sectional study. The superficial FAZ area, foveal vascularity, and central macular thickness (CMT) were assessed using the Cirrus 5000. Health parameters, body mass index, trunk fat %, and macular pigment were analyzed to determine possible associations with the superficial FAZ. RESULTS Mean FAZ area was 0.23 ± 0.08 mm2. Females had a significantly larger mean FAZ area than males (p=0.002). The FAZ area was positively correlated with body mass index (Pearson's r = 0.189, p=0.026). Significant correlates of the FAZ area in the multivariate model included vessel perfusion (central), CMT, and trunk fat %, collectively explaining 65.1% of the overall variability. CONCLUSIONS Study findings suggest that reduced vessel perfusion, thinner CMT, and higher trunk fat % are plausible predictors of a larger FAZ area in healthy Caucasian adults. Low macular pigment optical density was, however, not associated with increased FAZ size in young healthy eyes. Noninvasive optical coherence tomography angiography testing, in association with these predictors, may aid in the early detection and monitoring of retinal diseases associated with oxidative stress.

Mean Ocular Perfusion Pressure Effect During Pars Plana Vitrectomy on the Foveal Avascular Zone: A Pilot Study.

Purpose: To evaluate the effect of mean ocular perfusion pressure on the foveal avascular zone (FAZ) area in eyes with successful retinal detachment (RD) surgery. Methods: This prospective pilot fellow eye-controlled study measured the intraoperative mean ocular perfusion pressure in eyes having surgery for rhegmatogenous RD (RRD). Postoperatively, the FAZ area was measured; the change was calculated as the difference in the FAZ area between the operated eye and the contralateral control eye. Results: The study comprised 8 patients with a mean age (±SD) of 53.38 ± 13.92 years. The mean superficial FAZ area was not different between operated eyes and control eyes, while the deep FAZ area was significantly larger in operated eyes. There was a strong negative correlation between the mean ocular perfusion pressure and the change in the deep FAZ area (Spearman ρ, -0.73; P = .04); the correlation between the mean ocular perfusion pressure and the change in the superficial FAZ area was not significant (Spearman ρ, -0.24; P = .57). A significant linear regression was found between the mean ocular perfusion pressure and the change in the deep FAZ area (R2 = 0.388). The predicted enlargement of the deep FAZ area was 0.03 mm with every 1 mm Hg decrease in the mean ocular perfusion pressure. Conclusions: Lower intraoperative mean ocular perfusion pressure is associated with enlargement of the deep FAZ area in eyes having successful RRD surgery.

Efficacy and safety of subthreshold micropulse laser in the treatment of acute central serous chorioretinopathy.

To analyze the efficacy and safety of subthreshold micropulse laser (SML) in the treatment of acute central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC). This is a retrospective case analysis study. Totally 58 eyes of 58 patients were enrolled, and they were divided into different groups. And 39 patients were treated with SML (SML group) and 19 patients were only observed (observation group). The follow-up period was 3mo after diagnosis. The best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), central retinal thickness (CRT), superficial retinal vascular density (SRVD), deep retinal vascular density (DRVD), the superficial and deep foveal avascular zone (FAZ) area, retinal light sensitivity (RLS), perfusion area of choroidal capillary layer (CCL), subfoveal choroidal thickness (SFCT) and fundus autofluorescence (FAF) were investigated. The BCVA, CRT, SRVD, DRVD, the superficial and deep FAZ area, RLS, SFCT of SML group were significantly improved at 3mo (all P<0.05). In the observation group, only CRT, DRVD and SFCT were improved (all P<0.05). Other research items in the observation group were not significantly different from baseline (all P>0.05). At the last follow-up, the BCVA and RLS in the SML group were better than those in the observation group, and CRT was lower, SRVD and DRVD, perfusion area of CCL were larger (all P<0.05). On FAF, no change of treatment spots was found after treatment. No structural laser damage was observed on optical coherence tomography (OCT) and optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA), and no choroidal neovascularization was observed. SML treatment of acute CSC can improve BCVA, RLS, and perfusion area of CCL, reduce CRT, increase SRVD and DRVD, and is safe.

Foveal avascular zone in normal human eyes by optical coherence tomography angiography

ObjectiveTo analyze the influence factors of the area of superficial plexus foveal avascular zone (FAZ) and related indexes of fovea measured with optical coherence tomography angiography (OCT-A) in normal subjects. MethodsThis was a cross-sectional study from November 2020 to May 2021 in the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, China. Each subject received related eye examination. The correlation between all the factors and superficial plexus FAZ were analyzed under univariable and multivariable linear regression analysis. ResultsFinally, 239 subjects with sufficient data were recruited in the study, including 108 males and 131 females, aged 27.41±4.63 years. The area of superficial plexus FAZ was 0.33±0.16 mm2. In the univariate regression, gender (β = 41.702, 95%CI: 9.152 to 74.253, P = 0.012), drinking (β = -66.074, 95%CI: -99.197 to -32.951, P = 0.001) and axial length (β = -15.874, 95%CI: -29.562 to -2.185, P = 0.023) were associated with superficial plexus FAZ area. In multivariate regression analysis results, drinking (β = -42.410, 95%CI = -79.388 to -5.432, P = 0.025) was significantly correlated with superficial plexus FAZ area. ConclusionThe area of superficial plexus FAZ was not affected by age, gender, systematical and biochemical indicators, but related to the status of drinking.

Long-Term Postoperative Perfusion Indices in Surgically Resolved Myopic Traction Maculopathy

Background: Pathological myopia can be complicated by the presence of posterior staphyloma, macular atrophy, ruptures in Bruch’s membrane, pathologic choroidal neovascularization, and different degrees of myopic traction maculopathy. Purpose: To report the structural, functional and perfusional outcomes in patients underwent surgery for different stages of myopic traction maculopathy (MTM). Methods: A retrospective, consecutive, comparative, interventional, one-surgeon, case-control study was conducted in 46 eyes of 34 individuals between April 2015 and May 2021. Participants included normal emmetropic eyes (Control emmetropia, n = 25), healthy myopic eyes (Control high myopia, n = 20), and operated and structurally fully resolved myopic eyes with different stages of MTM (Surgically treated group, n = 46). Long-term postoperative functional and perfusional follow-up evaluations were performed with spectral domain-optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) and OCT angiography. The primary outcome measure included long-term functional, structural and perfusion macular status across groups. Results: Forty-six eyes in 34 patients were included in the study group, with both eyes affected in 12 (26.3%) patients. The mean axial length was 29.89 ± 1.67 mm. The preoperative logMAR was 1.29 ± 0.54 and the postoperative logMAR was 0.60 ± 0.52 (P < 0.001), with the biggest reduction in eyes with more advanced MTM. The fellow-eye prevalence rate was 53.85%, with a mean time to surgery of 43 ± 26.77 months. The fellow-eye final VA was 0.34 ± 0.29, and the first-eye final VA was 0.80 ± 0.72 logMAR (P < 0.05). Majority of eyes showed abnormal macula morphology post-operation, where eyes with normal postoperative macula showed better visual improvement (P = 0.022). Conclusion: Compared to emmetropic and healthy myopic eyes, surgically-resolved MTM eyes generally have larger superficial foveal avascular zone area, lower vessel density, smaller choriocapillaris flow area, thinner central subfoveal thickness, and more macular defects. Eyes with stage III or IV MTM had larger deviation compared to eyes at earlier stages. Visual function change after surgery was associated with superficial foveal avascular zone area. Better functional, structural and perfusion index outcomes were observed when highly myopic eyes underwent early surgery.

Normative Vascular Features on OCT Angiography in Healthy Nepalese Eyes.

To establish normative data on morphological characteristics and quantitative parameters of Foveal Avascular Zone (FAZ) as well as their systemic and ocular associations using OCT angiography (OCT-A) in healthy Nepalese subjects. A prospective, cross-sectional, population-based study recruiting 210 healthy samples (420 eyes) aged 10 to 70 years was conducted. All the samples underwent detailed comprehensive eye examination followed by Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography (OCTA) and Enhanced Depth Imaging performed in each eye using Spectral Domain Optical Coherence Tomography. Foveal avascular zone area and vessel density in superficial and deep retinal plexus and Sub foveal Choroidal Thickness (SFCT) were evaluated. Ocular and systemic associations of these parameters were also studied in a multivariate analysis utilizing linear regression. The mean superficial and deep FAZ area was 459.96 ± 124.75 μm (95% confidence interval [CI], 443.08-476.83) and 589.0 ± 141.39 μm (95% CL, 570.77-609.02), respectively. The vessel density in superficial capillary plexus was 54.03 ± 9.34% (95% CL, 53.98-54.11) while the vessel density in deep capillary plexus was 25.91 ± 38% (95% CL, 25.85-25.96). The mean SFCT in this study was 308.89 ± 68.87μm (95% CL, 299.64-318.14 μm). There was no statistically significant inter-eye difference in the FAZ parameters. Myopic eyes had smaller FAZ, lesser vessel density and thinner SFCT. Association was observed between superficial FAZ area and systolic blood pressure, and deep FAZ area and diastolic blood pressure. This study reports the normative data on FAZ parameters in healthy Nepalese subjects which can serve as references for interpreting these parameters in different retinal-choroidal diseases.

Comparison of retinochoroidal microvascular circulation in menstrual and postmenopausal periods using swept-source optical coherence tomography angiography.

We aimed to examine the possible effects of the postmenopausal period on retinal and choroidal microvascular circulation using swept-source optical coherence tomography angiography (SS-OCTA). This cross-sectional study included 45 eyes of 45 subjects in menstrual group and 40 eyes of 40 subjects in postmenopausal group. SS-OCTA was used for the assessment of vessel density (VD), foveal avascular zone (FAZ), choroidal thickness (CT), choriocapillaris VD, central macular thickness (CMT), nerve fiber layer thickness (RNFL), and ganglion cell layer (GCL) measurements. The VDs of the superficial capillary plexus (SCP) and deep capillary plexus (DCP) measurements were similar in both group. FAZ area was wider in postmenopausal group (0.305 mm2 (range, 0.212-0.498 mm2)) compared to menstrual group (0.271 mm2 (range, 0.131-0.464 mm2)) (p = 0.013). Choriocapillaris VD was significantly lower in postmenopausal group (p = 0.049). CT was thicker in the postmenopausal group, but with no statistically significant difference (p = 0.066). Central macular thickness, RNFL, and GCL were similar in both groups. This is the first study in the literature to evaluate the retinochoroidal microcirculation in the menstrual and postmenopausal periods with SS-OCTA. We observed an increase in both superficial and deep FAZ area and a decrease in choroidal blood flow in the postmenopausal period. We think that this enlargement in the FAZ area may be related to the decreased amount of estrogen.

Long-term Post-operative perfusion outcomes in giant retinal tears treated with and without scleral buckling

Limited data are available on the long-term perfusional status of patients who have undergone successful surgery for giant retinal tear (GRT) macula-off rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD). This study examines the long-term outcomes in eyes treated for varying degrees of GRT-associated RRD extensions and compared them with two control groups. Twenty-five emmetropic normal eyes (control emmetropic), 20 healthy myopic eyes (control myopic), and 33 eyes surgically treated for GRT (surgical) were included in this study for a comparison of long-term structural, perfusional, and functional outcomes. The surgical eyes were categorized based on degree of GRT-associated RRD extension: 19 eyes with GRT-associated RRD extension &lt;180° and 14 eyes with extension &gt;180°. The eyes were further separated by whether they required placement of a complementary 360° scleral buckle. The mean age of the patients was 55.18 years and the mean pre-operative evolution of GRT was 2.36 weeks. The average pre- and post-operative best-corrected visual acuities (BCVAs) were 1.90 logMAR and 0.59 logMAR, respectively, which were different with statistical significance. Proliferative vitreoretinopathy resulted in multiple surgeries in nine eyes (27.3%). Long-term post-operative optical coherence tomography (OCT) showed 11 eyes (33.3%) with abnormal foveal contour, 13 eyes (39.4%) with ellipsoid zone disruption, two eyes with dissociated optic nerve fiber layer defects, and 15 eyes (45.4%) with external limiting membrane line discontinuities. OCT angiography yielded abnormal perfusion indices in the surgically treated eyes (P &lt; 0.0001). Correlation analysis found that post-surgical BCVA was negatively correlated with superficial foveal avascular zone area, superficial parafoveal vessel density, and central subfoveal thickness, while positively correlated with choriocapillaris flow area. Our data showed that eyes with GRT-associated RRD have multiple structural alterations in spectral-domain OCT biomarkers that are correlated with visual outcomes. Despite successful retina reattachment without proliferation, management of GRT-associated RRD remains challenging.

Evaluation of macular vascular density and foveal avascular zone changes by optical coherence tomography angiography (OCT-A) after intravitreal dexamethasone implant in diabetic macular edema resistant to Anti-VEGF treatment.

Analysis of foveal avascular zone (FAZ) width and vascular density (VD) changes before and after intravitreal dexamethasone implant (IDI) treatment in diabetic macular edema (DME) patients resistant to anti-VEGF treatment. In this retrospective study, patients who were regularly treated with at least 5 doses of intravitreal Anti-VEGF (bevacizumab, ranibizumab or aflibercept) for DME and whose DME continued were considered resistant to Anti-VEGF and were treated with IDI for the first time. Thirty-four eyes of 34 patients were included in the study. FAZ and VD values of optical coherence tomography angiography (OCT-A) scans at 0, 1 and 3months were examined. In OCT-A measurements, the pre-IDI superficial plexus FAZ (SFAZ) area (0.350 ± 0.120 mm2) was decreased at 1 (0.292 ± 0.132 mm2, p < 0.001) and at 3months (0.311 ± 0.153 mm2, p = 0.017). Pre-IDI deep plexus FAZ (DFAZ) area (0.651 ± 0.313 mm2) was decreased at 1-month post-IDI (0.481 ± 0.247 mm2, p < 0.001) while no significant change was observed at 3months (0.575 ± 0.259 mm2, p = 0.197). There was no significant change in the mean post-IDI total VD rate in both superficial (pre 39.2% ± 2.4; 1st month 39.2% ± 2.6%; 3rd month 39.5% ± 3.4%) and deep retinal plexus (pre 43.3% ± 2.6%; 1st month 43.5 ± 2.8%; 3rd month 43.6% ± 4.6%) (p = 0.408 and p = 0.607, respectively). The study showed that IDI caused a significant decrease in the FAZ area without any change in VD in patients with DME resistant to the anti-VEGF agents. IDI might be related to a decrease in the macular ischemia secondary to diabetic retinopathy.

Normative data on the foveal avascular zone in a young healthy Irish population using optical coherence tomography angiography.

PurposeTo establish normative data on the size, shape and vascular profile of the foveal avascular zone (FAZ) in a young, healthy, Irish population, using the Cirrus 5000 HD-OCT. Certain diseases may alter FAZ appearance. Normative databases provide normal baseline values for comparison, thus improving diagnostic ability.MethodsOne hundred and fifty-four subjects aged 18–35 years old were recruited. Superficial FAZ area, diameter, circularity, ganglion cell layer, central macular thickness (CMT), vascular perfusion and density were measured using the Cirrus 5000. Axial length was measured with the IOL Master and blood pressure was measured using the Omron sphygmomanometer.ResultsMean FAZ area was 0.22 ± 0.07 mm2, mean CMT was 263.08 ± 18.73μm. Both were larger in females than males (p = 0.022, p = 0.000). Mean vessel density and perfusion central were 14.11 ± 2.77 mm/mm2 and 24.70 ± 4.96% respectively. Both were lower in females (p = 0.010, p = 0.019). Vessel density and perfusion inner correlated positively with minimum ganglion cell layer plus inner plexiform layer (GCL + IPL) thickness (p = 0.001, p = 0.019). CMT correlated positively with vessel density and perfusion central (p = 0.000 for both) and negatively with FAZ area (p = 0.000).ConclusionsThis study provides normative data for FAZ appearance and vascularity for the first time in a young, healthy, Irish population, using the Cirrus 5000 HD-OCT. Establishing machine and population specific normative data, particularly in relation to vessel density and perfusion is paramount to the early identification of ocular disease using Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography.

Optical coherence tomography angiography in healthy children: A comparison of macular structure.

The purpose of the present study was to investigate the perfusion density (PD) of macular superficial (SCP) and deep capillary plexus (DCP), the size of foveal avascular zone (FAZ) and central macular thickness (CMT) in healthy children using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCT-A). About 206 eyes of 111 children were analyzed. The correlation of gestational age (GA), birth weight (BW), age, sex, refractive errors, and visual acuity (VA) with OCT-A parameters were investigated. The mean PD of the fovea and the mean FAZ area of SCP were 17.1% (DS: 4.26) and 234.47 (DS: 106.39) µm2. The mean PD of the fovea and the mean FAZ area of DCP were 13.5% (DS: 5.23) and 298.32 (DS: 112.37) µm2. Superficial and deep FAZ areas were not correlated with sex, age, BW, refractive errors, or VA. FAZ area of SCP was correlated with foveal PD (r = -0.76) and with CMT (r = -0.68). FAZ area of DCP was correlated with foveal's PD (r = -0.61). There was no correlation between CMT and refractive errors. OCT-A may provide a non-invasive and reliable approach to evaluate macular perfusion in children. As the FAZ area, PD, and CMT change during the growth period, we performed established a reference range for different ages.

Central macular OCTA parameters in glaucoma

Background/aimsTo investigate the relationship between the foveal avascular zone (FAZ) parameters assessed by optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) and central visual field parameters in glaucoma and healthy subjects.MethodsOne hundred and...

Исследование ретинального кровотока у беременных с сахарным и гестационным диабетом

Purpose. To study retinal blood flow in pregnant women with diabetes mellitus and gestational diabetes mellitus using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA). Material and methods. 203 pregnant women in the third trimester were examined: 24 – with type 1 and 2 diabetes mellitus (T1DM and T2DM), 143 – with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), and 36 apparently healthy women with physiological pregnancy, who consisted the control group. OCTA imaging was performed using the RTVue XR Avanti OCT 6 mm × 6 mm "Angio Retina" scan protocols (Optovue, USA). The whole image vessel density (wiVD), foveal vessel density (FVD), and foveal avascular zone (FAZ) area in the superficial capillary plexus were studied. Results. FVD in pregnant women with diabetes mellitus was significantly less than in pregnant women with GDM and in the control group, in this connection, it can be assume changes of the retinal microvascular regulation because of chronic disturbances of carbohydrate metabolism in such patients and due to microangiopathy development. FAZ area extension and wiVD diminution were revealed in patients with diabetic retinopathy (DR) compared to datas of the group of pregnant women with diabetes mellitus and absence of DR, in the absence of differences in FVD indexes. In 2 patients with T1D and the absence of ophthalmoscopic signs of DR, OCTA revealed areas of nonperfusion in the posterior pole of the eye. Conclusions. A significant FVD decrease in the superficial capillary plexus was revealed in pregnant women with diabetes mellitus, compared with pregnant women with GDM and healthy women with physiological pregnancy in the absence of significant difference in wiVD in the superficial capillary plexus and FAZ area. Patients with DR showed an expansion of FAZ area and decrease in wiVD in the superficial capillary plexus relative to the group of pregnant women with diabetes mellitus without DR. OCTA helps to identify areas of retinal nonperfusion in the posterior pole of the eye in pregnant women with diabetes in the absence of ophthalmoscopic signs of DR. Keywords: optical coherence tomography angiography, pregnancy, diabetic retinopathy, gestational diabetes, foveal avascular zone, retinal blood flow.

Evaluation of parafoveal vascular density using optical coherence tomography angiography in patients with central serous chorioretinopathy.

Using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA), we sought to evaluate parafoveal vascular density (VD) in patients with central serous chorioretinopathy (CSCR). Our study included 43 patients with a diagnosis of CSCR and 40 healthy controls. Ophthalmologic examination findings and OCTA measurements of the participants were retrospectively analysed. Of the 43 patients with CSCR, 31 were males (72%) and 12 were females (28%); the control group was 30 males (75%) and 10 females (25%) (p = 0.657). There were significant differences between affected eyes, unaffected eyes and healthy control eyes for all parameters in the superficial capillary plexus (SCP) VD and deep capillary plexus (DCP) VD (p < 0.05 for all values). It was also determined that the affected eyes had lower SCP-VD and DCP-VD than the unaffected eyes and that the unaffected eyes had lower SCP-VD and DCP-VD than the healthy control eyes (p < 0.05 for all values). While there were no significant differences in the deep foveal avascular zone (FAZ) area, the superficial FAZ area was larger in affected eyes than in both unaffected eyes and healthy control eyes (p < 0.05). In most areas, the SCP-VD and DCP-VD values were lower and the FAZ larger in the chronic group than in the acute group (p < 0.05). Retinal vascular changes were found in patients with both acute and chronic CSCR, and the fellow eyes of these patients were also affected. OCTA can therefore be considered an easily applicable, non-invasive screening option for evaluating the microvascular structure in these patients.

Change in retinal and choroidal microvascular structures after rhegmatogenous retinal detachment surgery and effects on visual recovery

To investigate changes in retinal and choroidal microvascular structures in the macular region after surgery for rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) and their relationship to visual function at 3months. This prospective, cross-sectional study included 37 eyes of 37 patients who underwent surgery for RRD (pneumatic retinopexy and/or pars plana vitrectomy). All patients underwent a comprehensive ophthalmologic examination, including measurement of best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA, logMAR), anterior segment and fundus examination, and optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) imaging 3months postoperatively. The healthy fellow eyes formed the control group. OCTA was used for the assessment of macular vessel density (VD), foveal avascular zone (FAZ), central macular thickness, and choroidal and outer retinal flow rates. The findings showed that the VD of the superficial and deep capillary plexuses were lower in the RRD group compared to the control group (P=0.012; P<0.001). The FAZ was larger in the RRD group (P=0.035). The choroidal flows in the 1 and 3mm2 were lower in the RRD group (P<0.001). Superficial FAZ area and choroidal flow rate (1 and 3mm2 areas) were moderately negatively correlated with BCVA (P=0.008; P=0.035; P=0.008). Our study demonstrated that the FAZ was larger, and the choroidal flow rate was lower, in the RRD group compared to the control group. Choroidal flow rate was negatively correlated with postoperative BCVA. Ischemic events resulting from the RRD were likely the reason for these changes.

Changes in the Foveal Avascular Zone Area and Retinal Vessel Density after Anti-VEGF Therapy for Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration

ABSTRACT Purpose To investigate changes in the foveal avascular zone (FAZ) area and retinal vessel density (VD) in the macula of patients receiving multiple anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) therapy for neovascular age-related macular degeneration (N-AMD). Methods This study included 54 eyes of 54 treatment-naïve N-AMD patients. Thirty-three eyes were treated with intravitreal aflibercept injections, and 21 eyes were treated with intravitreal ranibizumab injections. Unaffected fellow eyes (54 eyes) were used as controls. All image scans were acquired after the macular architecture had recovered with drying up of the subretinal fluid/hemorrhage after treatment. Results Both the superficial and deep FAZ areas were significantly larger in the aflibercept group than in the control group. The VD was also significantly reduced in the aflibercept group. Conclusions Prolonged and repeated anti-VEGF therapy may cause an increase in the FAZ area and a decrease in the VD in patients with N-AMD, indicating ischemic damage.

Evaluation of Ocular Hypoperfusion in Patients with Acromegaly by Using Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography

ABSTRACT Purpose This study aimed to evaluate the retinal blood vessel parameters and the foveal avascular zone (FAZ) area using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) in patients with acromegaly in comparison with healthy controls. Methods A total of 45 patients with acromegaly and 45 healthy controls were included in this study. In all patients, the vessel density (VD) of the deep and superficial macular vascular networks and the foveal avascular zone (FAZ) were measured using OCTA. The correlation of insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) level and disease duration with deep macular VD and FAZ values was analyzed. All parameters were registered. Results were assessed and compared between the two groups. Results Deep macular plexus VD values were lower in patients with acromegaly compared to the control group. No significant differences in VD values in the superficial segment, except for that in the inferior parafovea (P = .01) were found between the two groups. Furthermore, patients with acromegaly showed enlargement in the superficial (P = .30) and deep FAZ areas (P < .001). IGF-1 level and disease duration showed a significant negative correlation with the deep whole image (R = −0.216, P = .041, R = −0.339, P = .001, respectively), deep parafovea (R = −0.271, P = .01; R = −0.372, P < .001, respectively), deep parafovea superior hemi (R = −0.342, P = .001; R = −0.350, P = .001, respectively), deep parafovea temporal (R = −0.224, P = .034; R = −0.234, P = .026, respectively), deep parafovea nasal (R = −0.320, P = .002; R = −0.361, P < .001, respectively), and deep parafovea superior VD values (R = −0.293, P = .005; R = −0.307, P = .003, respectively) and a significant positive correlation with the deep FAZ area values (R = 0.244, P = .02; R = 0.329, P = .002, respectively). Conclusion VD values in the deep macular capillary plexus were lower in patients with acromegaly, and the superficial and deep FAZ area enlarged. Patients with acromegaly may have an increased risk of developing ocular vascular complications. OCTA can be used to evaluate retinal blood VD in patients with acromegaly.

Comparison between two multimodal imaging platforms: Nidek Mirante and Heidelberg Spectralis.

To investigate the reliability and comparability of retinal measurements obtained with spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (OCT), optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA), confocal scanning laser ophthalmoscopy (cSLO) colour images, and fundus autofluorescence (FAF) between two multimodal imaging platforms in eyes with macular pathology and normal, healthy volunteers. This cross-sectional, multi-centre, instrument validation study recruited 94 consecutive subjects. All participants underwent a dilated examination and were scanned consecutively on the Heidelberg Spectralis (Heidelberg Engineering, Heidelberg, Germany) and Nidek Mirante (Nidek Co. Ltd., Gamagori, Japan) devices. Agreement between device images were evaluated from measures of the central retinal thickness (CRT), presence of segmentation and fixation imaging artefacts (IA), foveal avascular zone (FAZ) measurements; as well as sensitivity and specificity values from the detection of atrophy on fundus autofluorescence (FAF), drusen, subretinal drusenoid deposits, geographic atrophy, epiretinal membrane, fibrosis and haemorrhage on multicolour imaging, and agreement between devices and groups. Compared with reference clinical examination, sensitivity values for the identification of retinal features using sole device images ranged from 100% for epiretinal membranes to 66.7% for subretinal drusenoid deposits (SSD). Mean absolute difference for CRT between OCT devices was 3.78μm (95% confidence interval [CI]: - 21.39 to 28.95, P = 0.809). Differences in the superficial and deep capillary plexus FAZ area on OCTA between devices were not statistically significant (P = 0.881 and P = 0.595, respectively). IAs were significantly increased in the presence of macular pathology. Comparison of retinal measurements between the OCT devices did not differ significantly. Common ultrastructural biomarkers of multiple macular pathologies were identified with high sensitivities and specificities, with good agreement between graders, indicating that they can be identified with comparable confidence in retinal imaging between the two devices.

Evaluation of Macular Microcirculation in Healthy Children Using Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography.

Objectives:This study was designed to evaluate macular perfusion in a healthy pediatric population using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA).Methods:Fifty-three eyes of 30 healthy children (20 boys and 10 girls) were included in this prospective, cross-sectional study. Age, gender, foveal thickness (FT), superficial foveal avascular zone area (FAZs), deep foveal avascular zone area (FAZd), superficial capillary plexus flow area (SCP), deep capillary plexus flow area (DCP), choriocapillaris flow area (CC), vascular density in the SCP (VDs), vascular density in the DCP (VDd), and subfoveal choroidal thickness (SFCT) were evaluated.Results:The mean age was 12.0±4.0 years (range: 6-15 years). Gender did not have a statistically significant influence on the FAZs or FAZd. However, there was a positive correlation between the CC and age (r=0.31; p=0.025). The FAZs and FAZd were negatively correlated with the FT (p<0.001). The VDd was positively correlated with the FT (p=0.03) and was negatively correlated with the FAZd (p=0.019).Conclusion:The present study determined normative data of OCTA parameters in healthy children and provides useful insight into the relationship between age, macular microvascular networks, and the FAZ.