Can Optical Coherence Tomography and Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography Findings Predict Visual Acuity in People with Diabetic Retinopathy

Purpose: To investigate the association between visual acuity and optical coherence tomography (OCT) and OCT- Angiography findings in diabetic retinopathy. Methods: En face OCTA (AngioVue, Avanti OCT; Optovue) images were obtained in subjects at different stages of diabetic retinopathy. Superficial foveal avascular zone (FAZ) area, central subfield thickness, vascular density of the superficial retinal capillary plexus (SCP) and deep retinal capillary plexus (DCP) in the fovea and parafovea, presence or absence of cysts, ellipsoid zone (EZ) disruption and disorganization of inner retinal layer (DRIL) were recorded. Results: Thirty-three eyes with Non Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy (NPDR), 19 eyes with Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy (PDR) and 23 eyes with Regressed DR were included. In univariate analysis, visual acuity was significantly associated with EZ disruption, intraretinal cysts, central subfield thickness and parafoveal vascular density (P<00.1, P=0.004, P=0.003 and P=0.036, respectively). Multivariate analysis using multiple linear regression model revealed EZ disruption and central subfield thickness were independently associated with visual acuity (P<0.001 and P=0.005, respectively)Conclusion: EZ disruption and Central subfield thickness may predict visual acuity in people with diabetic retinopathy.