Digital Image Analysis of the Foveal Avascular Zone in Albinism
Journal Title: Ophthalmology and Vision Science - Year 2016, Vol 1, Issue 1
Abstract
Purpose: Albinism is an inherited disorder of melanin biosynthesis. Patients with albinism have foveal maldevelopment and decreased visual function. The purpose of this study was to use color retinal images to describe the foveal avascular zone (FAZ) in albinism compared to controls, and to correlate the results with best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and refractive error. Methods: A retrospective chart review of 46 individuals with albinism was performed after IRB approval. Data from the ophthalmic examination were gathered systematically. Retinal images of the macula obtained in the group with albinism and in 46 controls with no retinal disease were optimized for vessel visualization and evaluated for six parameters: height, width, and area of the FAZ; distance from the temporal optic nerve border to the center of the FAZ and to the first vessel to traverse the horizontal meridian; and the distance between the major macular vascular arcades thru the FAZ center. Results: Our data showed that the height, width and area of the FAZ is significantly smaller in individuals with albinism (p < 0.001 for all). The distance from the temporal optic nerve border to the FAZ center was significantly increased (p < 0.001). The distance from the temporal optic nerve to the first vessel traversing the horizontal meridian, and the distance between the macular arcades was similar in both the group with albinism and the control group. Correlation between BCVA and the FAZ parameters was poor as was the spherical equivalent and the FAZ parameters. Conclusions: The abnormalities of the FAZ identified in this study could not explain the subnormal BCVA in individuals with albinism. The more temporal location of the center of the FAZ may explain the positive angle kappa seen in albinism. Supported, in part, by an unrestricted grant from Research to Prevent Blindness, Inc., New York, NY, to the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Neurosciences at the University of Minnesota.
Authors and Affiliations
C Gail Summers MD, Alejandra Decanini Mancera MD, Julie Conley MD, Patti Harvey CRA, Ann M Holleschau BA
Keywords
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