Short-Term changes in Retinal Microvascular Network and Microcirculation after Horizontal Strabismus Surgery

Abstract Purpose: To determine the possible effects of horizontal rectus surgery on the fundus microvascular network and microcirculation. Methods: A total of 53 eyes from 53 horizontal strabismus who underwent a recession-resection surgery on monocular eye were included. The densities in the capillary plexus of retinal and the area of the foveal avascular zone (FAZ) were imaged and measured by optical coherence tomography angiography (OCT-A) at baseline and 1 day, 2 weeks and 4 weeks after strabismus surgery. Results: The mean whole superficial capillary plexus (SCP) of reoperation and postoperation were 43.02 ± 3.75, 40.17 ± 4.25,42.25 ± 4.51 and 42.87 ± 4.23%, respectively. There was a statistically significant decrease in the measurement of the whole SCP (p < 0.001). The mean whole deep capillary plexus measurements (DCP) of reoperation and postoperation were 48.83 ± 3.33, 49.13 ± 4.13, 49.42 ± 3.90 and 49.66 ± 3.74%, respectively. There was no statistically significant change in the measurement of the whole DCP (p = 0.427). The mean FAZ measurements of reoperation and postoperation were 0.27 ± 0.09, 0.28 ± 0.11, 0.27 ± 0.09 and 0.27 ± 0.10mm2, respectively. There was no statistically significant change in the measurement of FAZ (p = 0.497). Conclusions: Superficial capillary plexus decreased transitorily in short-term follow-up after strabismus surgery. Such changes would not persist over a long period.