Decreased retinal capillary density is associated with a higher risk of diabetic retinopathy in patients with diabetes

Purpose: To quantify retinal microvascular alterations using optical coherence tomography angiography in diabetic patients, and to evaluate the accuracy of decreased vessel density (VD) in predicting early diabetic retinopathy (DR). Methods: One hundred and two eyes of 51 diabetic patients and 92 eyes of 46 individuals without diabetes were examined. Duration of diabetes, insulin therapy, blood pressure, HbA1C, dyslipidemia, axial length, and the presence of DR were recorded. Retinal VD was measured using optical coherence tomography angiography. The effect of risk factors on VD and on DR was assessed using multivariable regression analyzes. Results: Compared with controls, VD was lower in diabetic patients (P
Source: RETINA - Category: Opthalmology Tags: Original Study Source Type: research