Quantitative retinal microvasculature in children using swept-source optical coherence tomography: the Hong Kong Children Eye Study

AimsTo evaluate the distributions of quantitative optical coherence tomography angiography (OCT-A) metrics and its associated factors in children.Methods1059 children aged 6–8 years were recruited from the Hong Kong Children Eye Study. All the participants underwent OCT-A with a swept-source OCT. Retinal microvasculature on superficial capillary plexus was assessed and quantified by a customised automated image analysis programme. Univariable and multiple linear regression analyses were performed to determine systemic (body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, head circumference and blood pressure), demographic and ocular (axial length (AL), macular thickness and volume, retinal nerve fibre layer (RNFL) thickness and visual acuity) variables (independent variables) associated with OCT-A metrics (dependent variables).ResultsIn multiple linear regression analyses, enlarged foveal avascular zone area was associated with female gender (β=0.110, p