Comparison of the Foveal Avascular Zone Between Patients With High Myopia and Emmetropic Subjects Using OCT Angiography

Abstract

Background: High myopia is a growing global concern, often leading to irreversible macular damage. The foveal avascular zone (FAZ), a marker of retinal microcirculation, may be altered in highly myopic eyes even before clinical signs emerge.

Purpose: To compare FAZ area and morphology in patients with high myopia versus emmetropic subjects using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCT-A).

Methods: We conducted a retrospective, cross-sectional study including 62 eyes (31 per group). Subjects aged 18–65 with BCVA ≥ 20/25 and no retinal pathology were included. FAZ area was manually measured in superficial and deep capillary plexuses from OCT-A images obtained with Optovue®. Statistical analysis included Shapiro-Wilk and Mann-Whitney U tests.

Results: We expect to find a significantly larger and more irregular FAZ in the high myopia group, suggesting early microvascular compromise.

Conclusion: FAZ metrics may serve as non-invasive biomarkers of subclinical retinal alteration in high myopia. OCT-A imaging could be integrated into routine screening for earlier detection of risk.