Microvascular changes in obese adults detected by Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Vascular Biology
• Obesity Research

Background:

• Obesity is a global health concern associated with various systemic complications.
• Microvascular changes in the retina may serve as early indicators of systemic metabolic alterations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare retinal microvascular parameters between obese and nonobese adults using Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography (OCT-A).

Main Methods:

• A prospective, controlled, non-randomized study involving 92 subjects (184 eyes) categorized into normal weight, overweight, and obese groups based on Body Mass Index (BMI).
• Ocular examinations included visual acuity, ocular motility, slit lamp, and fundus examination.
• OCT-A was performed on a 6.00 x 6.00 mm macular region to assess vessel density (VD), Foveal avascular zone (FAZ), choriocapillaris plexus (CCP) area, subfoveal choroidal thickness (SCT), and central macular thickness (CMT).

Main Results:

• Significantly lower VD in the optic nerve head (ONH) was observed in overweight and obese groups compared to the normal weight group.
• Subfoveal choroidal thickness (SCT) was significantly higher in overweight and obese individuals.
• No significant differences were found in macular VDs, FAZ, CCP area, or CMT between the groups.

Conclusions:

• OCT-A is a valuable tool for detecting microvascular alterations in the retina and choroid associated with obesity.
• While fundus examination alone has limitations, OCT-A provides predictable insights into obesity-related vascular changes.