Relation between grade of diabetic retinopathy and perilimbal capillary density: digital fluorescein angiographic study.

Purpose: To evaluate the relation between the capillary drop out in perilimbal area and the stage of diabetic retinopathy using the new approach of digital fluorescein angiography and digital image analysis technology.

Material And Methods: Anterior and posterior segment fluorescein angiography were performed in 100 diabetic participants (43 males and 57 females, mean age +/- SD was 60 +/- 10.9 years) and 81 healthy persons as control group (41 males and 40 females, mean age +/- SD was 60.8 +/- 16.7 years). The loss in perilimbal capillary was estimated objectively by measuring the perilimbal intercapillary area (PIA).

Results: A significant loss in the perilimbal capillary density was observed in all stages of diabetic retinopathy (P < 0.05). 31.7 +/- 18% increase in perilimbal intercapillary area in average due to diabetes comparing to the control group, was observed.

Conclusions: The perilimbal capillary area drops and ischemic changes associated with diabetic retinopathies showed strong correspondence.