Ultrawidefield OCTA study for the impact of PPVP on the structure and blood flow of the retina and choroid.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the association between the posterior precortical vitreous pocket (PPVP) and retinal morphological and blood flow parameters, with the aim of elucidating its potential pathophysiological significance.

METHODS

This prospective single-center study included 65 healthy subjects. PPVP was assessed using spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (OCT) and optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA). The associations between PPVP presence and macular retinal thickness, volume, and vessel density were analyzed.

RESULTS

PPVP was detected in 72.3% (47/65) of subjects. Compared with the PPVP-negative group, the PPVP-positive group showed significantly greater retinal thickness in the superior inner macula (362.91 ± 16.84 vs. 344.06 ± 15.59 μm, p < 0.001) and nasal inner macula (361.96 ± 16.83 vs. 348.00 ± 15.45 μm, p = 0.003). The PPVP-positive group also had a larger volume in the superior inner macula (0.58 ± 0.05 vs. 0.54 ± 0.06, p = 0.001). In addition, vessel density was significantly higher in the PPVP-positive group in the superficial nasal retina (34.13 ± 7.88 vs. 23.83 ± 11.09, p = 0.001) and deep nasal retina (36.66 ± 6.58 vs. 25.44 ± 13.83, p = 0.004).

CONCLUSION

The presence of PPVP was significantly associated with localized retinal thickening, increased retinal volume, and enhanced retinal blood flow. These findings suggest that PPVP may influence the vitreoretinal interface through biomechanical or microcirculatory mechanisms. This study systematically characterizes the morphological and functional features associated with PPVP and may contribute to a better understanding of the physiological vitreoretinal interface, with potential implications for future research into related retinal disorders.