Reduced Macular Vascular Density in Myopic Eyes

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Medical Imaging
• Vascular Biology

Background:

• Previous studies on myopia-induced vascular changes used limited methods like Doppler ultrasound and fluorescein angiography.
• Optical coherence tomography (OCT) angiography offers a noninvasive, high-resolution alternative for assessing vascular density.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate changes in vascular density within the macula and optic disc of myopic eyes using OCT angiography.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study involving 91 eyes from 47 participants (controls, moderate, and high myopia).
• OCT angiography was used to measure macular and optic disc vascular density, ganglion cell complex (GCC) thickness, and retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness.
• Statistical analyses included ANOVA, Pearson's correlation, and generalized estimating equation to assess relationships with axial length (AL) and refractive error.

Main Results:

• Macular vascular density (both superficial and deep) was significantly reduced in moderate and high myopia compared to controls.
• Decreased macular vascular density correlated with increased axial length and more negative spherical equivalent.
• Superficial macular vascular density was also associated with GCC thickness, independent of refractive error.

Conclusions:

• Myopia progression is associated with a reduction in macular vascular density.
• Vascular density in the optic disc region does not appear to be affected by myopia.