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Changes in retinal vessel and retinal layer thickness after cross-linking in keratoconus via OCT-angiography

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First Author: Y.Ayaz TURKEY

Co Author(s):    Y. Ayaz   E. Cetinkaya   M. Kalayci   O. Ocal   M. Unal        

Abstract Details

Purpose:

To analyse the postoperative foveal avascular zone (FAZ) area, superficial vessel density (SVD), deep vessel density (DVD) and retinal layers after crosslinking for keratoconus treatment.

Setting:

Akdeniz University Hospital and Health Science University Antalya Training and Research Hospital, Department of Ophthalmology, Antalya/TURKEY

Methods:

We retrospectively examined 27 eyes with corneal crosslinking for keratoconus. foveal avascular zone (FAZ) area, superficial vessel density (SVD), deep vessel density (DVD) and retinal layers were evaluated by using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA). OCTA measurements were made at preoperative and postoperative 1st week, 1st and 6th months. In addition, optical biometry measurements were also made.

Results:

There was significant increase in DVD in foveal area (respectively; 47±13.9 μm, 46±11.6 μm, 47±10 μm and p:0.008, p:0.043, p:0,040). While there was a significant increase in retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness in the foveal area (respectively; 19±07 μm, 23±25 μm, 24±31 μm and p:0.032, p:0.015, p:0,017), there was a decrease in ganglion cell layer thickness in the parafoveal area at sixth month (60±27 μm and p:0.028). In the parafoveal area, we found a decrease in SVD at sixth month (46±3,05 and p:0.019). There was no difference in FAZ measurements.

Conclusions:

Cross-linking treatment applied in patients diagnosed with keratoconus may cause changes in retinal layers and retinal vessel density in the superficial and deep retinal plexus. Monitoring these changes with the OCTA device may be helpful.

Financial Disclosure:

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