Abstract
Abstract: :
Purpose: To investigate the correlation between optical coherence tomography (OCT)characteristics and parameters and visual acuity (VA) outcomes after successful macular hole surgery. Methods: Retrospective study of 34 eyes in 34 patients. Postoperative OCT scans were performed. Measured Snellen visual acuity was converted to ETDRS equivalent lines. Fovea thickness was obtained from macular OCT map analysis protocol. The raw files of the horizontal and vertical OCT cuts were exported and processed to standardize images. Measured and calculated parameters included photoreceptor thickness, photoreceptor reflectivity, RPE reflectivity, and relative reflectivity of photoreceptor to RPE in 500 µm and 1000 µm foveal–centerd areas. Foveal configurations and organization of photoreceptor layer were assessed subjectively and graded 1 to 5. The correlations between the parameters and visual acuity were analyzed. Results:The median age was 72 years (39–89). OCT scans were performed at a median of 2 years (1 month to 10 years) postoperatively. The median preoperative visual acuity was 20/80 (7/200 – 20/50) and 20/50 (5/200 – 20/20) postoperatively. The median foveal thickness was 198.5 µm (148 – 283). The mean photoreceptor thickness was 17.6 µm in 500 µm and 16.5 µm in 1000 µm. The relative reflectivity of photoreceptor was 0.60 in 500 and 1000 µm area. VA and foveal thickness, foveal configuration or photoreceptor organization were not correlated. The thickness of the central (500 µm and 1000 µm) photoreceptor layer was positively correlated to final VA (p=0.026, each). The relative reflectivity of photoreceptor was correlated to VA, but it was not statistically significant (p=0.121 and 0.070 in 500 µm and 1000 µm respectively). Conclusion: Specific retinal morphologic characteristics can be assessed from OCT images. Morphology and thickness of the foveal photoreceptor layer correlates well with macular function after successful macular hole surgery and may be a useful prognostic indicator when considering cataract extraction.
Keywords: imaging/image analysis: clinical • imaging methods (CT, FA, ICG, MRI, OCT, RTA, SLO, ultrasound) • macula/fovea