Macular and peripapillary vessel density in myopic eyes of young Chinese adults

Abstract

The aim of this study was to compare the macular and peripapillary vessel densities in eyes of young Chinese adults with different degrees of myopia and to evaluate the association of macular and peripapillary vessel densities with axial length and retinal nerve fibre layer thickness. Methods: A total of 128 eyes (mild myopia, 42; moderate myopia, 45; severe myopia, 41) underwent optical coherence tomography angiography imaging. Parameters assessed were vessel densities in the superficial capillary plexus and deep capillary plexus of the macular area, peripapillary vessel density, retinal nerve fibre layer thickness, foveal thickness and foveal avascular zone area (mm 2). Results: Vessel densities in the macular and peripapillary areas as well as peripapillary retinal nerve fibre layer thickness decreased significantly when comparing high myopia to mild myopia. Axial length was significantly associated with vessel density in the macular area (superficial capillary plexus: r = −0.249, p = 0.008; deep capillary plexus: r = −0.398, p < 0.001), peripapillary area (r = −0.204, p = 0.028), foveal avascular zone area (r = −0.309, p < 0.001), and foveal thickness (r = 0.354, p < 0.001). Negative correlations were found between axial length and peripapillary vessel density as well as retinal nerve fibre layer thickness at the nasal superior, nasal inferior and inferior nasal quadrants. Conclusion: Varying degrees of myopia affected macular and peripapillary vessel densities as well as retinal nerve fibre layer thickness in young healthy adults. The high myopic group had the lowest vessel density in the superficial capillary plexus, deep capillary plexus of the macular area and the peripapillary area. With increased axial length, macular and peripapillary vessel densities, retinal nerve fibre layer thickness and foveal avascular zone area reduced while foveal thickness increased.

Systemic Vascular Dysregulation May Be Associated With Lower Peripapillary Vessel Density in Non-glaucomatous Healthy Eyes: A Prospective Cross-Sectional Study

“…To be clear, several ocular factors have strong association with peripapillary vessel density in healthy eyes. Consistent with other studies (22)(23)(24), the longer the axial length, the lower the retinal VD in the peripapillary area. Reduced vessel density was observed with more myopic eyes.…”

A Meta-Analysis of Alterations in the Retina and Choroid in High Myopia Assessed by Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography

“…Based on the presented data, whole vessel density at both the superficial and deep macular layers was significantly lower in HM eyes which strongly supports the findings from Yang et al [11], Fan et al [26], and Yang et al [29] studies. However, Yang et al [27] reported contrary findings showing no significant differences across various levels of myopic severity.…”

Hemodynamic and morphological changes of the central retinal artery in myopic eyes

“…Extensive studies have revealed associations between excessive eyeball elongation and various vascular abnormalities in myopic eyes (refer to Zhao et al for a recent review 3 ). At the retinal level, myopic eyes showed reduced capillary perfusion at foveal 4 , 5 and peripapillary regions 6 , 7 , enlarged foveal avascular zone 8 , 9 , narrower retinal vessels 10 , and higher percentage of peripheral avascularity 11 .…”