Deans

David Loshin, O.D., Ph.D. – College of Optometry

Award Date

1-1-2015

Abstract

As a function of age, liquefaction of the vitreous body results in separation of the vitreous cavity from the retina. This posterior vitreous separation may be incomplete, leading to areas of residual vitreomacular adhesion (VMA). These adhesions can result in maculopathies such as vitreomacular traction syndrome (VMT), macular hole, epiretinal membrane, cystoid macular edema, diabetic macular edema, neovascularization in diabetic retinopathy and retinal vein occlusion, exudative age-related macular degeneration, and myopic traction maculopathy. VMA leads to pathological sequelae due to the static and dynamic anteroposterior tractional forces to the surface of the macula. The resultant complication will depend on the size and strength of the traction, with smaller areas of adhesion leading to greater traction. Identifying the prevalence of VMA and its associations will lead to better diagnosis and management of patients with this condition. Rationale: The goal of this study is to identify the prevalence of VMA in individuals 40 years and older by screening patients with spectral-domain high-definition optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT). VMA will be defined on SD-OCT as single or multiple vitreo-retinal attachment(s) within the macula with a partial posterior vitreous detachment. The study will also assess the presence of VMA with regards to specific maculopathies. Methodological Design/Data Analysis: This study will be an observational, prospective study occurring over a two-year period. The inception cohort will consist of a consecutive series of 200 patients/site presenting for eye examinations. The patients must be 40 years of age and older. Significance: The recognition of the role of vitreomacular adhesion in a variety of macular conditions is imperative for the proper diagnosis and management of these diseases. Understanding the epidemiology of the disease, specifically the prevalence of vitreomacular adhesion in a given age group, will help clinicians to identify those at risk and optimize management of these patients,

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