Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography Evaluation of Retinal and Choroidal Microvascular Morphological Changes Following Strabismus Surgery.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the structural and microvascular changes in the retina and choroid after strabismus surgery.

METHODS

The study included 44 eyes from 44 patients who underwent strabismus surgery between August 2020 and December 2021. Among these patients, 9 (20%) underwent horizontal one-muscle surgery, 27 (61%) underwent horizontal two-muscle surgery, and 8 (18%) underwent inferior oblique muscle anteriorization surgery. Optical coherence tomography angiography scans were conducted preoperatively and at 1 day, 1 week, 1 month, and 3 months postoperatively.

RESULTS

The outer retinal blood flow showed a significant increase at 1 day postoperatively in horizontal two-muscle and inferior oblique muscle anteriorization surgery, whereas no significant difference was observed between periods in horizontal one-muscle surgery (P = .007). Choriocapillaris blood flow exhibited a significant increase at 1 day and 1 month postoperatively compared to the preoperative period (P < .001). Whole image superficial capillary plexus vascular density was significantly lower at 1 day postoperatively than preoperatively and 1 and 3 months postoperatively (P < .001). Whole image deep capillary plexus vascular density was significantly lower at 1 day than at 1 month postoperatively (P = .002).

CONCLUSIONS

Following strabismus surgery, temporary changes in the hemodynamic microcirculation in the retina and choroid are observed. A transient decrease in retinal artery blood supply may be noticed, possibly attributed to the reduced anterior segment blood supply. [J Pediatr Ophthalmol Strabismus. 2024;61(6):397-403.].