Correlation between Visual Acuity and Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography Parameters in Unilateral Idiopathic...

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Retinal Imaging
• Vascular Biology

Background:

• Idiopathic epiretinal membrane (iERM) can mechanically affect macular hemodynamics.
• Investigating the link between iERM, visual acuity, and retinal/choroidal blood flow is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To correlate visual acuity with optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) parameters in unilateral iERM.
• To assess changes in retinal and choroidal capillary plexus flow areas in iERM patients.

Main Methods:

• 61 patients with unilateral iERM underwent OCTA.
• Measured flow areas of superficial capillary plexus (SCP), deep capillary plexus (DCP), and choroidal capillary plexus (CCP).
• Compared iERM eyes with fellow healthy eyes and analyzed subgroups based on foveal concavity.

Main Results:

• iERM eyes showed significantly reduced flow areas in SCP (p=0.037) and CCP (p=0.011) compared to fellow eyes.
• No significant reduction in DCP flow area was observed (p=0.054).
• CCP flow area was the sole significant predictor of best-corrected visual acuity (p=0.012).

Conclusions:

• Choroidal capillary plexus (CCP) flow area is a critical determinant of visual acuity in iERM.
• Choroidal circulation plays a vital role in iERM pathophysiology.
• Mechanial traction by iERM is not the sole factor influencing vascular changes.