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[Choroidal blood flow and visual function in idiopathic macular hole]
1Eye Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, National Clinical Research Center for Ocular Diseases, Wenzhou 325027, China.
Summary
Idiopathic macular hole significantly reduces visual function and choroidal blood flow. This study suggests that decreased choroidal thickness and impaired fundus microcirculation contribute to vision loss in macular hole patients.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Medical Imaging
- Retinal Diseases
Background:
- Idiopathic macular hole (IMH) is a condition affecting central vision.
- Understanding the underlying pathophysiology, including choroidal blood flow and retinal function, is crucial for diagnosis and treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between choroidal blood flow, visual function, and structural changes in eyes with idiopathic macular hole.
Main Methods:
- Prospective study involving 22 eyes with IMH, their fellow eyes, and 16 normal eyes.
- Assessed best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and retinal sensitivity using EDTRS charts and MP1.
- Evaluated choroidal blood flow and choriocapillary density using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) and MatLab.
- Measured subfoveal choroidal thickness and macular hole aperture using enhanced depth imaging OCT.
Main Results:
- Eyes with IMH showed significantly lower BCVA, retinal sensitivity, choroidal blood flow area, and paracentral blood vessel density compared to fellow and normal eyes.
- Subfoveal choroidal thickness was significantly reduced in IMH eyes.
- Macular hole diameter correlated negatively with blood vessel density, choroidal thickness, and retinal sensitivity.
Conclusions:
- Idiopathic macular hole is associated with decreased retinal sensitivity and impaired fundus blood perfusion.
- Reduced visual function in IMH may be linked to diminished choroidal thickness and compromised microcirculation.
- Paracentral choroidal thickness in the fellow eye may also tend to decrease.
