Normative Data and Associations of OCT Angiography Measurements of the Macula: The Singapore Malay Eye Study

Zhen Ling Teo, Christopher Ziyu Sun, Crystal Chun Yuen Chong, Yih Chung Tham, Kengo Takahashi, Shivani Majithia, Cong Ling Teo, Tyler Hyungtaek Rim, Jacqueline Chua, Leopold Schmetterer, Chui Ming Gemmy Cheung, Tien Yin Wong, Ching Yu Cheng, Anna Cheng Sim Tan*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

2 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Objective: To describe the normative quantitative parameters of the macular retinal vasculature, as well as their systemic and ocular associations using OCT angiography (OCTA). Design: Population-based, cross-sectional study. Subjects: Adults aged > 50 years were recruited from the third examination of the population-based Singapore Malay Eye Study. Methods: All participants underwent a standardized comprehensive examination and spectral-domain OCTA (Optovue) of the macula. OCT angiography scans that revealed pre-existing retinal disease, revealed macular pathology, and had poor quality were excluded. Main Outcome Measures: The normative quantitative vessel densities of the superficial layer, deep layer, and foveal avascular zone (FAZ) were evaluated. Ocular and systemic associations with macular retinal vasculature parameters were also evaluated in a multivariable analysis using linear regression models with generalized estimating equation models. Results: We included 1184 scans (1184 eyes) of 749 participants. The mean macular superficial vessel density (SVD) and deep vessel density (DVD) were 45.1 ± 4.2% (95% confidence interval [CI], 37.8%–51.4%) and 44.4 ± 5.2% (95% CI, 36.9%–53.2%), respectively. The mean SVD and DVD were highest in the superior quadrant (48.7 ± 5.9%) and nasal quadrant (52.7 ± 4.6%), respectively. The mean FAZ area and perimeter were 0.32 ± 0.11 mm2 (95% CI, 0.17–0.51 mm) and 2.14 ± 0.38 mm (95% CI, 1.54–2.75 mm), respectively. In the multivariable regression analysis, female sex was associated with higher SVD (β = 1.25, P ≤ 0.001) and DVD (β = 0.75, P = 0.021). Older age (β = −0.67, P < 0.001) was associated with lower SVD, whereas longer axial length (β = −0.42, P = 0.003) was associated with lower DVD. Female sex, shorter axial length, and worse best-corrected distance visual acuity were associated with a larger FAZ area. No association of a range of systemic parameters with vessel density was found. Conclusions: This study provided normative macular vasculature parameters in an adult Asian population, which may serve as reference values for quantitative interpretation of OCTA data in normal and disease states.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1080-1088
Number of pages9
JournalOphthalmology Retina
Volume6
Issue number11
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Nov 2022
Externally publishedYes

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© 2022 American Academy of Ophthalmology

ASJC Scopus Subject Areas

  • Ophthalmology

Keywords

  • Foveal avascular zone
  • Macular vessel density
  • Normative
  • OCT angiography
  • Retinal vessel density

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