Correlation of Best Corrected Visual Acuity and Vessel density quantified with optical coherence tomography angiography in diabetic macular edema

Abstract

Background: Diabetic macular edema (DME) is a pathology that can result in blindness in individuals who are of working age and is considered a serious health risk. Approximately 7 million people with diabetic retinopathy (DR) are impacted. The aim of this research is to use optical coherence tomography angiography to examine the linkage between macular microvascular indices and visual acuity. Methods: Hospital-based cross-sectional study conducted on 70 patients of type II diabetes with macular edema at Minia University Hospital ophthalmology investigation clinic and El-Minia Eye Center during the period from May 2020 to February 2023. The study included 100 eyes investigated for Best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and retinal vascular density analysis using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) for measurmet of superficial and DCPdensity (SCP and DCP). Results: Significant negative correlation was present between BCVA and Fovea of DCP (r=-0.23, p=0.01*) which mean that increasing fovea significantly associated with decreasing visual acuity), and significant positive correlation with deep capillary plexus (DCP) para fovea (r=0.23, p=0.01*), superior hemisphere (r=0.23, p=0.01*) and inferior hemisphere (r=0.20, p=0.03*) by mean of decreasing theses parameters significantly associated with decreasing visual acuity. Conclusion: The results of current study conclude that capillary dropout specially DCP has principle corporation in the disturbance visual function in patients with DME.