Optical coherence tomography angiography application to pigmented iris: Could a new index quantify blood flow?

To assess the blood flow and vascular visibility of irises in relation to pigmentation and pupil size, using an anterior segment optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA).

This is a cross-sectional study. OCTA images were acquired in the nasal and temporal quadrants from a cohort of 30 healthy subjects in photopic (miosis) and scotopic (mydriasis) conditions. Patients were divided according to iris color (less pigmented: group L vs more pigmented: group D). Vascular parameters (vessel density (VD), vessel length density (VLD), fractal dimension (FD)) were applied and compared among groups L and D, location and different pupil status. A novel vascular index called Luminance Index (LI) was developed and applied in order to quantify vascular flow and evaluate its variation in photopic and scotopic conditions. Multivariable analyses were performed to evaluate possible predictors of VD and LI.

No differences were found for all vascular measurements (VD, VDL, FD, LI) between nasal and temporal quadrants. All vascular measurements were higher in group L than in group D (p < 0.05), except for LI and FD in photopic condition. In group L, all vascular parameters increased (p < 0.001) after dark adaptation. In group D, only LI increased after dark adaptation (p < 0.001). Pigmentation and iris thickness were significantly associated with VD in scotopic and photopic conditions, and with LI only in scotopic condition.

Pigmentation still remains a major issue for vascular visibility. Quantitative and qualitative vascular changes follow pupil size variation. LI could be a new surrogate to quantify blood flow.