Macular Vessel Density Changes in Young Adults With High Myopia: A Longitudinal Study
Ya Shi1,2, Luyao Ye1,2, Qiuying Chen1,2
1Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, National Clinical Research Center for Eye Diseases, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Ocular Fundus Diseases, Shanghai Engineering Center for Visual Science and Photo Medicine, Shanghai Engineering Center for Precise Diagnosis and Treatment of Eye Diseases, Shanghai, China.
Frontiers in Medicine
|June 25, 2021
Summary
High myopia is linked to a faster decrease in macular vessel density over 21 months. Longer axial length in young adults correlates with greater vessel density loss in specific retinal sectors.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Retinal Imaging
- Vascular Biology
Background:
- Macular vessel density changes in young adults are not well understood.
- Myopia, particularly high myopia, may influence retinal microvasculature.
- Longitudinal studies are needed to track these changes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate longitudinal changes in macular vessel density in young adults.
- To identify factors associated with these changes, especially in myopic individuals.
Main Methods:
- 309 participants (high myopic, mild-to-moderate myopic, healthy) underwent OCTA scans over 21 months.
- Macular vessel density was quantified globally and in ETDRS subfields.
- Multivariate regression analyzed associations between axial length and vessel density changes.
Main Results:
- Macular vessel density significantly decreased in young myopes over 21 months.
- High myopes showed a faster global and sectoral reduction compared to healthy eyes.
- Longer baseline axial length correlated with greater vessel density loss in specific sectors (II, IT, OT).
Conclusions:
- High myopia is associated with accelerated macular vessel density loss over time.
- Axial length is a significant predictor of macular vessel density changes in myopic young adults.
- These findings highlight potential vascular alterations in myopia progression.
