Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 9, 2026

Scleral Cross-linking Using Riboflavin and Ultraviolet-A Radiation for Prevention of Axial Myopia in a Rabbit Model
Published on: April 3, 2016
Beyond axial length: posterior segment curvature determining vitreoretinal traction
João Heitor Marques1,2, Ana Sofia Martins1, Pedro Baptista1,2
1Ophthalmology Department, Centro Hospitalar Universitário de Santo António, Portugal.
Purpose:
To create an algorithm to calculate the posterior radius of curvature of Bruch´s membrane (rBM) on regular optical coherence tomography (OCT) and determine the association between posterior segment shape and vitreoretinal disease.
Methods:
Retrospective cross-sectional study that included patients with macular hole (MH) or rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD). RRD eyes were matched with MH eyes based on age and axial length (AL), resulting in a final analysis of 43 eyes in each group. OCT B-scans were processed using a custom but open algorithm to calculate the rBM.
Results:
rBM was significantly higher in the RRD group (mean 56.1 mm, 95%CI 46.2 - 66.1 mm) whereas the MH group exhibited a steeper curvature (mean 41.6 mm, 95%CI 37.4 - 45.9 mm). No relationship was observed between AL and rBM. Multivariate logistic regression confirmed the independent effect of rBM.
Conclusion:
The geometry of the posterior segment differs substantially, independently of AL and age. A rounder posterior segment is associated with RRD, while a steeper curvature is associated with MH, suggesting that globe shape dictates whether vitreoretinal traction manifests peripherally or centrally. rBM on OCT is a simple and reproducible measure that may serve as a risk factor for vitreoretinal disease.
Related Concept Videos
Deformations in a Transverse Cross Section
As the material stretches, it expands or contracts in orthogonal directions to the load. This phenomenon varies...
Bending of Curved Members - Strain Analysis
The important part of bending analysis for such a member is the...
Deformation in a Circular Shaft
Deformations in a Symmetric Member in Bending
When the member is segmented into tiny cubic elements, it is observed that the primary stress...
Vertebral Column: Regions and Curvature
Regions of the Vertebral Column
In an adult, the spine is subdivided into five regions: the cervical, the thoracic, the lumbar, the sacral, and the coccygeal region. The spine initially develops as a series of 33 vertebrae; after 20 years of age, the nine bones in the sacral region, five sacral, and four coccygeal bones fuse to form the...
Curvature and Its Interpretation