Vitreous changes in high myopia observed by swept-source optical coherence tomography.

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Retinal Imaging
• Vitreoretinal Interface

Background:

• High myopia is a significant risk factor for various ocular pathologies.
• Understanding vitreous changes is crucial for managing complications in high myopia.
• Swept-source optical coherence tomography (SS-OCT) offers advanced visualization of vitreous structures.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate and characterize vitreous structural changes in high myopia.
• To compare vitreous features between highly myopic eyes and healthy controls using SS-OCT.

Main Methods:

• Slit-lamp biomicroscopy and SS-OCT were performed on 151 highly myopic eyes and 363 healthy control eyes.
• Measurements included the height of posterior precortical vitreous pockets (PPVPs) to estimate their size.
• Analysis focused on the presence and characteristics of posterior vitreous detachment (PVD) and vitreous cortex.

Main Results:

• Highly myopic eyes exhibited significantly larger PPVPs compared to controls.
• Partial and complete posterior vitreous detachments (PVDs) occurred at significantly younger ages in high myopia.
• The vitreous cortex was more frequently observed on the macula after complete PVD in highly myopic eyes.

Conclusions:

• High myopia is associated with enlarged PPVPs and earlier PVD onset.
• A higher prevalence of residual vitreous cortex on the macula is observed in highly myopic eyes post-PVD.
• These findings highlight unique vitreoretinal changes in high myopia that may predispose to other pathologies.