The characteristics of dome-shaped macula in Chinese children aged 4–6 years using optical coherence tomography angiography

Abstract

Purpose: To evaluate the characteristics of dome-shaped macula (DSM) in children aged 4–6 years with normal visual acuity using optical coherence tomography angiography. Method: This is a cross-sectional study. A total of 19 children aged 4–6 years were included. The results of optical coherence tomography angiography images were analysed to identify and quantify retinal structural and vascular parameters in DSM children. The dome height, dome base, and sub-dome choroidal thickness were manually measured. Participants with DSM and those without DSM from our previous study were compared on these parameters. Results: Nineteen eyes of the preschool subjects with normal visual acuity showed horizontal DSM on optical coherence tomography (OCT). The DSM was significantly smooth and low in the children, and we did not observe differences between sex and age. Compared to the children without DSM, the average axial length was longer, and the average macular vessel density was lower in the DSM group, especially in the deep retinal vascular density. Additionally, the dome height was positively correlated with the sub-dome choroidal thickness. When the dome base/height was increased, the fovea avascular zone (FAZ) area was larger. Conclusion: Dome-shaped macula was detected in the preschool children in the process of the emmetropization with normal visual acuity. The changes in macular structure and vasculature provide new ideas for further investigation into the characteristics of DSM formation.

Macular Curvature in Adults Born Preterm With and Without ROP: Results from the Gutenberg Prematurity Eye Study

“…Interestingly, Xiang et al examined 19 Chinese children aged 4 to 6 years with DSM and found that the foveal avascular zone and perimeter were significantly positively correlated with the dome height. 43 This might not only be of interest in relation to the genesis of DSM but also play a role in the nonsignificance of our findings regarding macular curvature and GA, as it has been described in previous studies that children born preterm tend to have a smaller foveal avascular zone compared to children born at term. 14…”