Superficial capillary plexus vessel density/deep capillary plexus vessel density ratio in healthy eyes

Abstract

Abstract Background To identify factors differently affecting the superficial capillary plexus (SCP) and deep capillary plexus (DCP) in healthy eyes using their vessel density (VD) ratio. Methods Healthy eyes were enrolled. The ratio between the VD of SCP and DCP (SVD/DVD ratio) was calculated. Pearson correlation analyses were performed to identify the relationships between this ratio and other factors. Results The mean SVD and DVD were 36.2 ± 5.7 and 37.7 ± 4.9%, respectively, and the mean SVD/DVD ratio was 0.96 ± 0.15. The SVD was significantly correlated with the best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) (r = − 0.368, P <  0.001), age (r = − 0.408, P <  0.001), and OCTA quality (r = 0.520, P <  0.001). The DVD was significantly correlated with the BCVA (r = − 0.150, P = 0.008), age (r = − 0.229, P <  0.001), and OCTA quality (r = 0.555, P <  0.001). Among various factors, age (r = − 0.296, P <  0.001), the BCVA (r = − 0.237, P <  0.001), axial length (r = 0.234, P <  0.001), and OCTA quality (r = 0.270, P < 0.001) were significantly correlated with the SVD/DVD ratio. Conclusions Age, BCVA, axial length, and OCTA image quality were significantly correlated with the SVD/DVD ratio. Age, the BCVA, and OCTA quality were more strongly correlated with the SCP, and the axial length was more strongly correlated with the DCP.