Retinal Sensitivity Loss and Structural Disturbance in Capillary Non-Perfusion Area of Diabetic Retinopathy

Abstract

Purpose:: To assess light sensitivity and retinal structure of capillary non-perfusion areas in diabetic retinopathy.

Methods:: Twenty eyes of 17 consecutive patients with capillary non-perfusion areas from severe non-proliferative and proliferative diabetic retinopathy underwent fundus-related microperimetry. Non-perfusion areas of diabetic retinas were imaged with a Fourier-domain high-resolution optical coherence tomography (FD-OCT).

Results:: In 20 of 20 diabetic eyes (100%), areas of capillary non-perfusion detected by fluorescein angiography were associated with areas of the loss of retinal sensitivity. At para-areas of capillary non-perfusion, the retinal sensitivities tended to be reduced. The images demonstrated with an FD-OCT suggested the structural disturbance of inner retina in capillary non-perfusion area.

Conclusions:: Areas of capillary non-perfusion from severe non-proliferative and proliferative diabetic retinopathy has disturbed retinal structure, which may lead to sensitivity loss.

Keywords: diabetic retinopathy • perimetry • imaging/image analysis: clinical