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Effect of axial length on peripapillary microvasculature: an optical coherence tomography angiography study
Author(s) -
Bin Lim Hyung,
Hyuk Lee Woo,
Kim Minsu,
Kim Kyeungmin,
Yeul Kim Jung
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
acta ophthalmologica
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.534
H-Index - 87
eISSN - 1755-3768
pISSN - 1755-375X
DOI - 10.1111/j.1755-3768.2020.0026
Subject(s) - medicine , optical coherence tomography angiography , ophthalmology , perfusion , tomography , nuclear medicine , angiography , optical coherence tomography , cardiology , radiology
Purpose To investigate the effects of axial length (AL) on the peripapillary microvascular density acquired from optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA). Methods A total of 111 eyes from 111 normal healthy subjects were examined. The subjects were divided into three groups according to the AL: Group 1 (AL: <24.0 mm; 35 eyes), Group 2 (AL: 24.0–25.99 mm; 37 eyes), and Group 3 (AL: ≥26 mm; 39 eyes). Peripapillary OCTA images were acquired using 6 × 6 mm angiography scans, and vessel density (VD) and perfusion density (PD) of the superficial capillary plexus were calculated automatically. Vessel density (VD) and PD were compared among the three groups according to the distance from the optic disc (inner and outer rings). Linear regression analyses were also performed to identify clinical factors associated with average VD. Results The average ALs of Groups 1–3 were 23.33 ± 0.57, 25.05 ± 0.60, and 27.42 ± 0.82, respectively. Average VD (p = 0.009) and PD (p = 0.029) in the inner ring increased with increasing AL. However, average VD (p < 0.001) and PD (p < 0.001) in the outer ring decreased with AL increased; the same trends were found for the full areas (VD, p < 0.001; PD, p = 0.001). Average VDs in the inner and outer rings were not associated (p = 0.938). Conclusions Peripapillary VD and PD were significantly associated with AL. Depending on the distance from the disc, peripapillary VDs and PDs of the inner and outer rings were differentially affected by AL. Physicians should, therefore, consider the effects of AL in the analyses of peripapillary microvasculature.