Alterations of Macular Structure in Non-Glaucomatous Subjects With Obstructive Pulmonary Function

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Pulmonology
• Medical Imaging

Background:

• Pulmonary function can impact systemic health, including ocular structures.
• Optical coherence tomography (OCT) and OCT angiography are key tools for visualizing retinal microvasculature and macular structure.
• Understanding links between pulmonary and ocular health is crucial for comprehensive patient care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate associations between obstructive pulmonary function and macular parameters using OCT and OCT angiography.
• To assess retinal vessel densities and macular structure in patients without glaucoma but with varying pulmonary function.

Main Methods:

• Prospective enrollment of 70 patients into the AALY PRE cohort.
• Comprehensive eye exams including OCT, OCT angiography, and pulmonary function testing (PFT).
• Exclusion of subjects with glaucomatous optic neuropathy; diagnosis of obstructive pulmonary function based on FEV1/FVC ratio.

Main Results:

• Patients with obstructive pulmonary function were older.
• Reduced macular vessel density (VD) observed in most sectors for those with obstructive pulmonary function, even after adjustments.
• Macular VD linearly associated with FEV1/FVC ratio; FEV1 associated with ganglion cell-inner plexiform layer thickness.

Conclusions:

• Obstructive pulmonary function is associated with decreased macular vessel density in non-glaucomatous eyes.
• Pulmonary obstruction severity correlates with macular inner retinal layer thickness.
• Further research is warranted to elucidate the relationship between pulmonary function and macular health.