Comparison of Retinal Microvascular Vascular Density Between Adolescents With and Without Simple Myopia Using Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography

Objective: The aim of this study is to investigate whether there is a difference in retinal microvascularization between adolescents with and without simple myopia using optical coherence tomography angiography.

Materials and Methods: Thirty-four eyes of 34 patients aged 12-18 years diagnosed with school-age simple myopia (0-6 diopters), and 34 eyes of 34 healthy controls of similar ages were included in this retrospective study. The ocular, optical coherence tomography, and optical coherence tomography angiography findings of the participants were recorded.

Results: The simple myopia group had statistically thicker inferior ganglion cell complex thicknesses compared to the controls (P =.038). The macular map values did not statistically significantly differ between the 2 groups. The foveal avascular zone area (P =.038) and circularity index (P =.022) values were statistically lower in the simple myopia group compared to the control group. The superficial capillary plexus outer and inner ring vessel density (%) (superior and nasal) showed statistically significant differences (outer ring superior/ nasal P=.004/P = .037; inner ring superior/nasal P =.014/P= .046).

Conclusion: Similar to high myopia, vascular density in the macula decreases as the axial length and spherical equivalent increase in simple myopia.

Cite this article as: Bayrakçeken K. Comparison of retinal microvascular vascular density between adolescents with and without simple myopia using optical coherence tomography angiography. Eurasian J Med 2023;55(1):54-58.