Evaluation of OCTA-based Parameters in Full-thickness Macular Holes: A Prospective, Comparative, Interventional Study

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Retinal Imaging
• Surgical Outcomes

Background:

• Full-thickness macular holes (FTMH) are a significant cause of visual impairment.
• Optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) provides detailed insights into retinal microvasculature.

Purpose of the Study:

• To correlate changes in retinal microvasculature, assessed by OCTA, with visual recovery after FTMH surgery.
• To analyze pre- and post-operative OCTA parameters in FTMH patients.

Main Methods:

• Evaluation of OCTA parameters in 31 eyes with FTMH before and at 6, 12, and 24 weeks after vitreoretinal surgery.
• Comparison of pre- and post-operative measurements of foveal avascular zone (FAZ) and vessel density (VD) in superficial (SVP) and deep (DVP) vascular plexuses.

Main Results:

• Significant improvement in best-corrected visual acuity was observed in 93.55% of eyes at 24 weeks.
• Mean FAZ area decreased significantly post-surgery.
• Mean VD in the SVP and DVP showed significant improvement, particularly in the foveal region, at 24 weeks.

Conclusions:

• Vitreoretinal surgery for FTMH leads to reduced FAZ and improved macular vessel density.
• Perioperative OCTA documentation is valuable for understanding anatomico-functional outcomes and disparities in FTMH patients.