Optical Coherence Tomography-angiography: Comparison of the Foveal Avascular Zone between Diabetic Retinopathy and Normal Subjects

Abstract

Purpose:To evaluate the effectiveness of optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) in investigating changes in the area of the foveal avascular zone (FAZ) in patients with diabetic retinopathy (DR) and normal subjects. Methods: Eighty-five eyes of 50 DR patients and 50 eyes of 25 normal subjects were included. OCTA images of the FAZ were acquired using the split-spectrum amplitude decorrelation angiography algorithm of Optovue Avanti RTVue XR OCT. Patients were divided into three groups according to DR severity: mild-to-moderate non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR) group, severe NPDR group, and proliferative DR group. The area of the FAZ was measured using built-in software and was compared between the patients and normal subjects and among the three groups.

Study of Foveal Avascular Zone Growth in Individuals With Mild Diabetic Retinopathy by Optical Coherence Tomography

“…The enlargement of the FAZ is positively correlated with the severity of DR. 16 Studies have shown that individuals with mild to moderate nonproliferative DR have a smaller FAZ growth rate, whereas individuals with proliferative DR have a larger FAZ growth rate. 17 , 18 Thus, the FAZ growth rate might be a hallmark feature of DR occurrence and progression.…”