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Retinal Vascular Reactivity as Assessed by Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography
Published on: March 26, 2020
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Optical coherence tomography angiography in glaucoma: a mini-review
Kelvin H Wan1,2, Christopher K S Leung2
1Department of Ophthalmology, Tuen Mun Eye Center and Tuen Mun Hospital, Hong Kong, China.
F1000Research
|September 21, 2017
Summary
Optical coherence tomography angiography (OCT-A) visualizes retinal blood flow non-invasively. Studies show reduced vessel density in glaucoma, but its added diagnostic value over OCT requires further investigation.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Medical Imaging
- Glaucoma Research
Background:
- Optical coherence tomography angiography (OCT-A) offers non-invasive, dye-free visualization of retinal vasculature.
- OCT-A may help identify vascular abnormalities associated with glaucoma.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the added diagnostic and monitoring value of OCT-A in glaucoma detection.
- To compare OCT-A findings with established OCT measurements like RNFL and GCIPL thickness.
Main Methods:
- Review of studies measuring retinal and optic nerve head vessel densities and blood flow indexes using OCT-A in glaucoma patients.
- Comparison of OCT-A data with OCT parameters such as retinal nerve fiber layer thickness, neuroretinal rim width, and ganglion cell inner plexiform layer thickness.
Main Results:
- Multiple studies demonstrate reduced vessel densities and blood flow indexes in glaucoma patients via OCT-A.
- The incremental benefit of OCT-A over standard OCT measurements for glaucoma detection and monitoring remains unclear.
Conclusions:
- OCT-A shows potential for visualizing glaucoma-related vascular changes.
- Longitudinal studies are necessary to determine if OCT-A vascular abnormalities are causative or consequential to optic nerve damage in glaucoma.
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