scholarly journals Change in the Foveal Avascular Zone and Macular Capillary Network Density after Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy in Healthy Retina

Author(s):  
Sadık Görkem Çevik ◽  
Bekir Selim Bağlı

Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate responses in retinal tissue by swept source OCT angiography (OCT-A) to hyperoxia after hyperbaric oxygen (HBO2) therapy. Methods: The study was conducted in volunteers who received HBO2 treatment but did not have any eye disease. Patients underwent detailed eye examinations including dilated fundus examination, visual acuity, and refraction before being admitted for HBO2 therapy. Measurements were made before and immediately after HBO2 therapy. Enface images of the retinal vasculature were obtained from the superficial and deep retinal plexus (SP/DP). Quantitative analysis of the vessel density (VD) and foveal avascular zone (FAZ) area was performed. Results: In total, 31 patients (15 female) with healthy retina were included in the study. The mean age was 42.8 years. The mean SP vascular density measurements before HBO2 therapy for the right and left eyes were 15.18 ± 1.2 mm−1 and 15.01 ± 1.3 mm−1, respectively; the measurements after HBO2 therapy for the right and left eyes were 14.34 ± 1.4 mm−1 and 14.48 ± 1.19 mm−1. The mean DP vascular density measurements before HBO2 therapy for the right and left eyes were 16.03 ± 1.69 mm−1 and 16.1 ± 1.45 mm−1, respectively; the measurements after HBO2 therapy for the right and left eyes were 15.02 ± 1.65 mm−1 and 15.12 ± 2.16 mm−1, respectively. Reduction of mean VD in superficial and deep plexus after HBO2 was statistically significant (P = 0.001 and P = 0.000, respectively). Changes in mean FAZ area before and after HBO2 therapy were not statistically significant (P = 0.719). Conclusion: The healthy retina responds to oxygen supersaturation with HBO2 therapy by eventually decreasing vascular density in all layers. These findings may be important for further studies especially related to retina and choroidal oxygenation.

PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (5) ◽  
pp. e0251933
Author(s):  
Kyu Young Shim ◽  
Jin Gon Bae ◽  
Jae Kyoung Lee ◽  
Yu Cheol Kim

This retrospective study aimed to evaluate the correlation between ophthalmologic factors and proteinuria in patients with pre-eclampsia using swept-source optical coherence tomography (OCT) and OCT angiography. In total, 61 pregnant patients diagnosed with pre-eclampsia were recruited during their hospital stay. The authors investigated the relationship between urine protein–creatinine ratio (PCR) and chorioretinal measurements including choroidal thickness (CT), choroidal vascularity index (CVI), foveal avascular zone (FAZ), vascular density (VD), ganglion cell layer+ (GCL+) and GCL++. The associations between mean arterial pressure (MAP) and ophthalmologic factors were also evaluated. Central subfield CT of the right eye (p = 0.031) and paracentral CT of both eyes were related to higher PCR (≥1.35 mg/mg). A significant association with PCR after logarithm transformation was noted (r = 0.284, p = 0.026). Retinal measurements (FAZ, VD, GCL+ and GCL++) and CVI were not related with PCR. There was a positive association between MAP and PCR after logarithm transformation (r = 0.296, p = 0.021); however, chorioretinal factors were not related with MAP. In pregnant women with pre-eclampsia, CT using OCT is a novel factor that is correlated with PCR. Ocular structural alteration in patients with pre-eclampsia may be one of systemic vascular changes caused by pre-eclampsia rather than hypertension.


PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (12) ◽  
pp. e0261287
Author(s):  
Jaekyoung Lee ◽  
Jin Gon Bae ◽  
Yu Cheol Kim

This study aimed to evaluate the correlation between ophthalmologic factors and the serologic indicator soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase 1 (sFlt-1): placental growth factor (PlGF) ratio in patients with preeclampsia using optical coherence tomography (OCT) and OCT angiography (OCT-A). A total of 52 pregnant patients (104 eyes) diagnosed with preeclampsia were recruited during their hospital stay. The associations between the sFlt-1/PlGF ratio and chorioretinal measurements, including the choroidal thickness (CT), foveal avascular zone, vascular density, and ganglion cell layer+ were evaluated. Central and nasal subfield CT of the left eye (p = 0.039; p = 0.010) and nasal subfield CT of the right eye (p = 0.042) were lower in the high sFlt-1/PlGF ratio group (≥38). Pearson’s correlation test showed a negative correlation between the sFlt-1/PlGF ratio and central subfield CT; however, this was not statistically significant (p = 0.648). Linear regression analysis revealed a significant association between the sFlt-1/PlGF ratio and central subfield CT (β coefficient, -6.66; p = 0.01) and between sFlt-1 and central subfield CT (β coefficient, -5.65; p = 0.00). Thus, an increase in the sFlt-1/PlGF ratio resulted in a decrease in central subfield CT.


2021 ◽  
pp. 112067212110065
Author(s):  
Gamze Dereli Can ◽  
Özlem Kara ◽  
Mehmet Erol Can

Purpose: To investigate the foveal avascular zone (FAZ) and the microvascular alterations in both macula and peripapillary region in obese children. Methods: We included a total of 222 eyes of 111 children (54 obese children and 57 healthy subjects). Capillary vessel density (VD) of superficial (SCP) and deep (DCP) retinal capillary plexuses were measured in macular slabs. Peripapillary region was also evaluated. The FAZ parameters were measured based on the whole retinal slab. A commercial optical coherence tomography-angiography system was used. Results: The mean ages were 13.33 ± 2.55 years (range, 8–17) and 13.41 ± 2.90 years (range, 7–18) in patients with obesity and healthy controls, respectively ( p = 0.84). The mean area of the FAZ were 0.278 ± 0.10 mm2 and 0.272 ± 0.11 mm2 in children with obesity and in control participants, respectively ( p = 0.68). There were significant increases in the superior region of the parafoveal VD of SCP ( p = 0.008 for superior hemisphere and p = 0.003 for superior quadrant). There was no significant difference in any measure of the macular DCP and peripapillary region ( p > 0.05, for all). Conclusion: Increased vascular density measurements were found in the superior part of the parafoveal region of SCP in children with obesity. The results of the study should be taken into consideration during the course of the disease to define whole systemic response to obesity in childhood and will be of interest for pediatrician’s clinical practice.


2020 ◽  
pp. bjophthalmol-2020-317038
Author(s):  
Takuhei Shoji ◽  
Junji Kanno ◽  
Robert N Weinreb ◽  
Yuji Yoshikawa ◽  
Izumi Mine ◽  
...  

Background/AimsTo evaluate quantitative changes in the foveal avascular zone (FAZ) area after glaucoma surgery using swept-source optical coherence tomography angiography (SS-OCTA).MethodsFifty-four consecutive patients with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) who met the inclusion criteria and underwent unilateral glaucoma surgery to reduce intraocular pressure (IOP) between April 2018 and July 2019.Eyes underwent IOP-lowering glaucoma surgery and their fellow (non-surgical) eyes were included. OCTA of the macula was performed in both eyes before glaucoma surgery and 3 months postoperatively. Two blinded examiners reviewed the image quality. Within- and between-group comparisons of the FAZ area and correlation of the FAZ area with age, IOP, central sensitivity and clinical variables.ResultsThe mean (±SD) age was 66.7±11.3 years. After surgery, the IOP and FAZ area significantly decreased from 22.1±9.5 mmHg to 10.3±3.5 mmHg and from 0.485±0.193 mm2 to 0.446±0.174 mm2, respectively (both p<0.001). Conversely, in the non-surgery group, the preoperative and postoperative mean FAZ areas (0.398±0.119 mm2 and 0.396±0.110 mm2, respectively) did not significantly differ (p=0.469). Change in the FAZ area significantly correlated with the preoperative FAZ area, preoperative foveal sensitivity and change in IOP (all p<0.05).ConclusionsThe FAZ area is decreased with IOP-lowering surgery in patients with POAG, and change in the FAZ area was significantly correlated with both preoperative foveal sensitivity and change in IOP.


2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 231
Author(s):  
Elena Salobrar-Garcia ◽  
Carmen Méndez-Hernández ◽  
Rosa de Hoz ◽  
Ana I. Ramírez ◽  
Inés López-Cuenca ◽  
...  

In Alzheimer’s disease (AD), vascular changes could be caused by amyloid beta (Aβ) aggregates replacing the contractile smooth musculature of the arteriole walls. These changes happen in the brain vascular network, but also in the eye, and are related to decreased vascular density and low blood flow. In patients with Alzheimer’s disease, thinning of the choroid and the retina has been shown. The aim of this prospective study was to assess the retinal and choroidal vascular systems, analyzing the choroidal thickness with optical coherence tomography (OCT), the foveal avascular zone (FAZ) with OCT-angiography (OCTA), and the optic nerve head (ONH) hemoglobin with the Laguna ONhE program, to evaluate which of the two ocular vascular systems shows earlier changes in mild AD patients. These patients, compared to controls, showed a significantly thinner choroid at all the analyzed points, with the exception of the temporal macula (at 1000 and 1500 µm from the fovea). On the other hand, the FAZ and ONH hemoglobin did not show significant differences. In conclusion, a thinner choroid was the main ocular vascular change observed in mild AD patients, while the retinal vessels were not yet affected. Therefore, choroidal thickness could be used an early biomarker in AD.


2020 ◽  
pp. 112070002093663
Author(s):  
Henrik C Bäcker ◽  
David Krüger ◽  
Sophie Spies ◽  
Carsten Perka ◽  
Stephanie M Kirschbaum ◽  
...  

Introduction: The correct moment for return to driving after total hip arthroplasty (THA) remains unclear. Until today no uniform recommendation exists on the ability to perform an emergency brake. The aim of this prospective study was to investigate the braking ability of patients before and after THA implantation based on brake reaction time in milliseconds (BRT) and braking force in N (BF). Methods: In total, 25 patients (15 men, 10 women, mean age 51.3 ± 10.1 years) were treated with THA on the right side. Inclusion criteria consisted of a valid driving licence, frequent road participation and at least 2 years of driving experience. Exclusion criteria were underlying neurological disorders as well as severe complaints in the lumbar spine and the right knee joint. The brake ability was evaluated for emergency braking with a car simulator and a measuring sole. Measurements were performed preoperatively, 6 days, 2, 4 and 6 weeks after surgery. Results: Preoperatively, the mean BRT was 671.3 ± 123.5 ms and the BF 455.4 ± 185.0 N. Significant differences were observed at 6 days and 2 weeks after surgery, (BRT 836.4 ± 219.7 ms, respectively, BRT 735.0 ± 186.7 ms, and BF 302.6 ± 154.9 N, respectively, BF 375.5 ± 149.3 N, p < 0.05). Only 4 weeks after, no significant differences were seen compared to pre-operative with a BRT of 647.0 ± 91.9ms ( p = 0.354) and BF of 435.9 ± 177.4 ( p = 0.843). Furthermore, the BRT improved significantly after 6 weeks (607.4 ± 87.6; p = 0.005). Conclusions: The braking force is significantly reduced, and the brake reaction time is prolonged directly after surgery for at least 2 weeks. After 4 weeks, no statistically significant differences were measured, although special care should still be taken during return to activity.


2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Hideki Shiihara ◽  
Hiroto Terasaki ◽  
Shozo Sonoda ◽  
Naoko Kakiuchi ◽  
Hidetaka Yamaji ◽  
...  

Abstract This study was to investigate the relationship between the metamorphopsia and foveal avascular zone (FAZ) parameter in eyes with epiratinal membrane (ERM). We studied patients with an ERM visited retinal service unit at the Kagoshima University Hospital or Shirai Hospital. The best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), and the degree of metamorphopsia by M -CHARTS™ were evaluated. The 3 × 3 mm optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) images of the superficial layer were obtained. Area (mm2), the circularity, eigen value were calculated using ImageJ software. The relationship between visual function, such as best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and metamorphopsia, and FAZ parameters were studied by Pearson’s correlational coefficient. Fifty-four eyes of 51 patients (24 men and 27 women) with an ERM were studied. The mean age of the patients was 69.6 ± 8.20 years. The mean BCVA and metamorphopsia score was 0.31 ± 0.29 logMAR units and 0.49 ± 0.42. There was no significant relationship between BCVA and FAZ parameters. While, metamorphopsia score was significantly and negatively correlated with all of FAZ parameters (area R = − 0.491, P < 0.001; circularity R = − 0.385, P = 0.004; eigenvalue ratio R = − 0.341; P = 0.012). Multiple regression analysis showed the FAZ area was solely and significantly correlated with metamorphopsia score (β − 0.479, P < 0.001). The size but not the shape of the FAZ was significantly correlated with the degree of metamorphopsia suggesting that it could be an objective parameter of metamorphopsia in ERM patients.


2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (4) ◽  
pp. 394-402
Author(s):  
Claudia Acosta ◽  
José Miguel Gloria ◽  
Alejandro Lavaque ◽  
Vania García ◽  
Evelin Torres ◽  
...  

2017 ◽  
Vol 12 (3) ◽  
pp. 310-315 ◽  
Author(s):  
César Meylan ◽  
Joshua Trewin ◽  
Kelly McKean

The aims of the current study were to examine the external validity of inertial-based parameters (inertial movement analysis [IMA]) to detect multiplanar explosive actions during maximal sprinting and change of direction (COD) and to further determine its reliability, set appropriate magnitude bands for match analysis, and assess its variability during international women’s soccer matches. Twenty U20 female soccer players, wearing global positioning system (GPS) units with a built-in accelerometer, completed 3 trials of a 40-m sprint and a 20-m sprint with a change of direction to the right or left at 10 m. Furthermore, 13 women’s national-team players (157 files; 4–27 matches/player) were analyzed to ascertain match-to-match variability. Video synchronization indicated that the IMA signal was instantaneous with explosive movement (acceleration, deceleration, COD). Peak GPS velocity during the 40-m sprint showed similar reliability (coefficient of variation [CV] = 2.1%) to timing gates but increased before and after COD (CV = 4.5–13%). IMA variability was greater at the start of sprints (CV = 16–21%) than before and after COD (CV = 13–16%). IMA threshold for match analysis was set at 2.5 m · s–1 · s–1 by subtracting 1 SD from the mean IMA during sprint trials. IMA match variability (CV = 14%) differed from high-speed GPS metrics (35–60%). Practitioners are advised that timing lights should remain the gold standard for monitoring sprint and acceleration capabilities of athletes. However, IMA could be a reliable method to monitor explosive actions between matches and assess changes due to various factors such as congested schedule, tactics, heat, or altitude.


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