Purpose The size and shape of the foveal avascular zone (FAZ) can change due to retinal diseases associated with oxidative stress and inflammation, such as diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, hypertensive retinopathy and macular degeneration. Macular pigment (MP), a powerful retinal antioxidant, may confer protection. This study aims to assess the relationship, if any, between factors that may affect the superficial FAZ (i.e. blood pressure (BP), vessel density, perfusion, overweight/obesity), and possible links with MP optical density (MPOD), in young, healthy subjects. Methods One hundred and fifty-four subjects, aged 18 to 35 years, were recruited. The superficial FAZ area, foveal vascularity and central macular thickness (CMT) were assessed using the Cirrus 5000. Health parameters including, BP, body mass index (BMI), trunk fat % and MPOD were analyzed, to determine possible associations with the FAZ. Results Mean FAZ area was 0.23 ± 0.08mm2. FAZ area was positively correlated with BMI (Pearson’s r = 0.189, p = 0.03) and significantly larger in participants with lower MPOD, on bivariate analysis (p = 0.04). Significant correlates of FAZ area in the multivariate model included age, sex, BP, vessel perfusion central, CMT and trunk fat %, which collectively contributed 65.2% of the overall variability. Conclusion These findings suggest that reduced vessel perfusion, thinner CMT, higher trunk fat % and low MPOD are plausible predictors of a larger FAZ area, in healthy eyes. Non-invasive OCTA testing, in association with these predictors, may aid in the early detection and monitoring of retinal diseases associated with oxidative stress and inflammation.

Purpose To 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. Methods One 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. Results Mean 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). Conclusions This 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.