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Phenylephrine Affects Peripapillary Retinal Vasculature-an Optic Coherence Tomography Angiography Study
Jingyi Cheng1,2,3, Jian Yu1,2,3, Chunhui Jiang1,2,3
1Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Eye, Ear, Nose and Throat Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
Frontiers in Physiology
|December 20, 2017
Summary
Phenylephrine eye drops significantly reduced retinal vessel density in the peripapillary area, but not the macula. This finding is crucial for optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) studies, especially those examining the peripapillary region.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Medical Imaging
- Retinal Perfusion
Background:
- Topical mydriatic eye drops are commonly used in ophthalmology.
- Optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) is a key imaging technique for assessing retinal vasculature.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the effects of tropicamide alone versus a tropicamide/phenylephrine mixture on retinal perfusion.
- To evaluate changes in retinal vessel density using OCTA.
Main Methods:
- Healthy subjects received topical mydriatic eye drops (tropicamide or tropicamide/phenylephrine).
- Retinal vessel density in macular and peripapillary areas was measured using OCTA.
- Measurements were taken at baseline and 30 minutes post-instillation.
Main Results:
- Phenylephrine mixture significantly reduced peripapillary vessel density (p=0.034).
- No significant reduction in macular vessel density was observed with the phenylephrine mixture.
- Tropicamide alone did not affect vessel density in either area.
Conclusions:
- Topical phenylephrine, but not tropicamide alone, decreases retinal vessel density in the peripapillary area.
- OCTA studies focusing on the peripapillary region should consider phenylephrine's impact on vessel density.
