Microvascular Changes in Full-Thickness Macular Hole Patients Before and After Vitrectomy: An Optical Coherence Tomography–Angiography Study
<b>Background:</b> This study evaluates changes in the foveal avascular zone (FAZ) area and vessel density in patients with full-thickness macular hole (FTMH) before and after vitrectomy using optical coherence tomography-angiography (OCT-A). <b>Methods:</b> A prospective analysis was conducted on 39 patients diagnosed with FTMH who underwent pars plana vitrectomy. OCT-A imaging was performed preoperatively and at 1 and 3 months postoperatively. Parameters analyzed included FAZ area, superficial (SCP) and deep retinal vessel density (DCP), and central retinal thickness (CRT). <b>Results:</b> Preoperative OCT-A images showed a significant difference in the mean FAZ area between affected and healthy eyes (p < 0.01). However, a significant reduction in superficial capillary plexus (SCP) vessel density was noted after vitrectomy. Visual acuity improved significantly after surgery (p < 0.001), but no significant changes in FAZ or total vessel density were observed postoperatively. Postoperative distance visual acuity (DBCVA) correlated with preoperative macular hole size (p < 0.01). <b>Conclusions:</b> Vitrectomy for FTMH does not significantly alter the FAZ area or DCP vessel density, but does reduce SCP vessel density. OCT-A is a valuable tool for assessing retinal microvascular changes post-vitrectomy.
Authors
- Rafał Leszczyński
- Sebastian Sirek (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3138-3011)
- Dawid Woszczek
- Aleksandra Górska (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6851-5065)
Institutions
- Medical University of Silesia (PL)
- University of Silesia in Katowice (PL)
Publication Details
- Journal
- Clinics and Practice
- Published
- 2025-03-11
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.3390/clinpract15030058
- Citations
- 1
- Primary Topic
- Retinal and Macular Surgery
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 1.36