Global Analysis of Macular Choriocapillaris Perfusion in Dry Age-Related Macular Degeneration using Swept-Source Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography

PURPOSE: Swept-source optical coherence tomography angiography (SS-OCTA) was used to investigate if the clinical stage of dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD) was correlated with global and regional macular choriocapillaris (CC) perfusion. METHODS: In this retrospective, cross-sectional study, 6 × 6-mm SS-OCTA images from eyes with early, intermediate, and advanced dry AMD (56 eyes, 41 patients) were analyzed using algorithms described in the literature to assess regional flow deficit percentage (FD%) and average flow deficit size. Regions were defined by concentric areas centered on the fovea: a 1-mm-diameter area, 3-mm-diameter ring, 5-mm-diameter area, 5-mm-diameter ring, and 6 × 6-mm whole image. Data were modeled using the generalized estimating equations approach. RESULTS: The relationship between age and CC FD% and average flow deficit size was statistically significant (P ≤ 0.05) in all regions of analysis by linear modeling. The relationship between dry AMD stage and FD% was statistically significant by linear modeling in the 5-mm ring, and between dry AMD stage and average flow deficit size in the 3-mm ring, 5-mm area, 5-mm ring, and 6 × 6-mm whole image. CONCLUSIONS: Linear modeling suggests a statistically significant relationship between dry AMD stage and CC perfusion, most prominent in the more peripheral regions of the macula.