The Analysis of Retinal Capillary Network Using Optic Coherence Tomographic Angiogrphy after Acute Angle Closure

ABSTRACT

Purpose@#We evaluated changes in the retinal capillary networks of patient’s acute primary angle closure (APAC) who were successfully treated and who lacked glaucomatous alterations. @*Methods@#Twenty patients for whom unilateral episodes of APAC were successfully treated were included in this retrospective cross-sectional study. At an average of 8 weeks after APAC, the thicknesses of the circumpapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) and the ganglion cell-inner plexiform layer (GCIPL) were measured via spectral domain optical coherence tomography. Circumpapillary and macular vessel densities, perfusion density (PD), and the area and perimeter of the foveal avascular zone (FAZ) were measured with the aid of OCT angiography (OCTA). We compared the values between APAC eyes and the fellow eyes. @*Results@#We found no significant differences between groups in the thickness of any RNFL or GCIPL sector, or in the circumpapillary vessel or perfusion density. However, within a radius of 0.5 mm from the fovea (the center), the vessel and perfusion densities were significantly lower in affected than in fellow eyes (p = 0.003, p = 0.046 respectively). The vascular factors of other macular sectors, and the FAZ area and perimeter did not differ between the groups. @*Conclusions@#Early reductions in macular vessel and perfusion densities were evident after effective APAC treatment. Therefore, follow-up must evaluate whether the blood flow reduction causes structural damage.