Vascular flow density in pathological myopia: an optical coherence tomography angiography study

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Medical Imaging
• Vascular Biology

Background:

• Pathological myopia is associated with significant ocular changes.
• Optical coherence tomography (OCT) angiography allows non-invasive visualization of ocular vasculature.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate and compare vascular flow density in the macula, choriocapillaris, and radial peripapillary capillaries (RPC) among individuals with emmetropia, high myopia, and pathological myopia.
• To analyze the relationship between these flow densities, axial length (AL), and best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA).

Main Methods:

• A prospective comparative study involving 131 eyes across three groups: emmetropia (EM), high myopia (HM), and pathological myopia (PM).
• OCT angiography was used to measure macular, choriocapillaris, and RPC flow densities.
• Statistical analysis was performed to compare groups and assess correlations with AL and BCVA.

Main Results:

• Significant differences in macular, choriocapillaris, and RPC flow densities were observed among the groups (p<0.05).
• Pathological myopia eyes showed significantly decreased macular and RPC flow densities compared to EM and HM groups (p<0.05).
• Negative correlations were found between AL and macular/RPC flow densities, while BCVA showed positive correlations with macular and choriocapillaris flow densities.

Conclusions:

• Macular and RPC flow densities are reduced in pathological myopia.
• High myopia without pathological changes did not show decreased retinal flow density compared to emmetropia.
• Reduced vascular flow density in pathological myopia is linked to increased axial length and decreased visual acuity.