Relationship between visual function and macular microstructure in highly myopic patients undergoing surgery for...

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Retinal Surgery
• Medical Imaging

Background:

• High myopia poses challenges in managing rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD).
• Assessing visual function post-RRD surgery in myopic eyes requires detailed analysis of macular changes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the correlation between visual function and macular microstructure in highly myopic patients following RRD surgery.
• To identify specific microstructural and microvascular changes affecting visual outcomes.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 58 highly myopic patients with RRD undergoing retinal reattachment surgery.
• Evaluation of best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), visual field mean sensitivity (MS), and fixation stability (FS) pre- and post-surgery.
• Optical coherence tomography (OCT) used to assess macular microstructure and micro blood flow, including foveal avascular zone (FAZ) parameters.

Main Results:

• Post-surgery, patients experienced reduced BCVA, MS, and FS.
• Macular microstructural changes (ellipsoid zone/external limiting membrane disruption) were present in 70.69% of patients.
• These changes correlated with significantly poorer visual function and altered FAZ morphology.

Conclusions:

• Macular microstructural integrity and microvascular alterations are key indicators of visual function post-RRD surgery in high myopia.
• OCT-based assessment of macular ellipsoid, external limiting membrane, and microvasculature enables early detection and targeted interventions.