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Doppler Optical Coherence Tomography of Retinal Circulation
Published on: September 18, 2012
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The Preserflo MicroShunt Affects Microvascular Flow Density in Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography
Jens Julian Storp1, Hannah Schatten1,2, Friederike Elisabeth Vietmeier1
1Department of Ophthalmology, University of Muenster Medical Center, 48149 Muenster, Germany.
Biomedicines
|December 23, 2023
Summary
The Preserflo MicroShunt effectively lowers intraocular pressure (IOP) in glaucoma patients. However, it caused a significant decrease in peripapillary retinal flow density, particularly in advanced glaucoma.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Glaucoma Research
- Microvascular Imaging
Background:
- Glaucoma surgery can impact ocular microvasculature.
- Understanding changes in retinal flow density (FD) after intraocular pressure (IOP) lowering procedures is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate changes in retinal flow density (FD) using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) after Preserflo MicroShunt implantation.
- To assess the correlation between IOP reduction and FD alterations at different retinal plexuses.
Main Methods:
- Prospective study of 34 eyes undergoing Preserflo MicroShunt implantation.
- OCTA imaging at superficial (SCP), deep (DCP), and radial peripapillary plexus (RPC) levels.
- Assessment of FD and IOP from baseline to six months postoperatively.
Main Results:
- Preserflo MicroShunt significantly reduced IOP (median: 8 mmHg; p < 0.01).
- No significant changes in SCP and DCP flow density were observed.
- A significant decrease in RPC flow density occurred (42.31 to 39.59; p < 0.01), most pronounced in advanced glaucoma.
Conclusions:
- Preserflo MicroShunt effectively lowers IOP but impacts peripapillary microvasculature.
- Advanced glaucoma patients exhibit greater peripapillary flow density reduction, suggesting impaired autoregulation.
- Macular microvasculature appears more resilient to IOP changes post-surgery.
