Comparison of Retinal Vascular Structure in Eyes With and Without Amblyopia by Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography

PURPOSE: To evaluate the retinal vascular structure in amblyopic eyes by optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA). METHODS: Thirty-seven eyes of 37 patients with anisometric amblyopia were compared with 37 eyes of 37 age- and gender-matched control subjects by OCTA in terms of superficial capillary plexus vessel density, deep capillary plexus vessel density, and foveal avascular zone. RESULTS: The mean age was 12 ± 4.2 years in patients with amblyopia and 13 ± 6.1 years in individuals without amblyopia. Foveal superficial capillary plexus vessel densities were 20.49% ± 3.27%, 19.70% ± 3.82%, and 19.96% ± 3.84%, and parafoveal superficial capillary plexus vessel densities were 48.50% ± 3.64%, 49.01% ± 3.33%, and 48.9% ± 2.98% in amblyopic, fellow, and control eyes, respectively. The foveal deep capillary plexus vessel densities were 18.95% ± 3.76%, 18.6% ± 4.50%, and 19.29% ± 4.01%, and parafoveal deep capillary plexus vessel densities were 51.0% ± 4.21%, 51.85% ± 4.12%, and 52.03% ± 3.57% in amblyopic, fellow, and control eyes, respectively. Superficial and deep capillary plexus vessel densities in the foveal and parafoveal areas were not significantly different between the groups (P > .05). The parafoveal area was evaluated in quadrants. In the superior quadrant, superficial and deep capillary plexus parafoveal densities were significantly lower in amblyopic eyes (P < .05). No significant difference was observed in the foveal avascular zone between the groups (P > .05). CONCLUSIONS: Although no significant vascular damage was demonstrated by OCTA in amblyopic eyes, localized defects may be specific for it. Additional studies are needed to evaluate any specific localization of vascular damage related to amblyopia. [J Pediatr Ophthalmol Strabismus. 2020;57(1):48-53.].