Comparative Analysis of Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography vs. Fluorescein Angiography in Diagnosing Retinal Vein Occlusion

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Published: 2026-05-08
DOI: https://doi.org/10.61919/nccpvz33
Keywords:
Retinal vein occlusion, Optical coherence tomography angiography, Fluorescein angiography, Macular ischemia, Capillary non-perfusion, Foveal avascular zone

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Um E Farwa
MPhil Optometry, Lecturer, Dow University of Health Sciences, Karachi, Pakistan. ORCID: 0009-0007-4807-1640
Hubdar Ali Laghari
MPhil Vision Science, Consultant Optometrist, Ethamad Eye Center, Hafr Al Batin, Saudi Arabia. ORCID: 0009-0003-9147-1034
Kiran Fatima
MPhil-Optometry, Lecturer at LRBT Tertiary Teaching Eye Hospital Korangi, Karachi, Pakistan. ORCID: 0009-0002-9587-268X
Ayisha Zahid
Optometrist, Sandeman Provincial Hospital, Quetta, Pakistan
Muhammad Israr
Vitroretinal Fellow, Khyber Teaching Hospital, MTI, Peshawar, Pakistan. ORCID: 0009-0006-8943-9504
Kainat Bibi
Lecturer of Optometry and Orthoptics, Riphah International University, Islamabad, Pakistan. ORCID: 0009-0009-9845-5321

Abstract

Background: Retinal vein occlusion is a common retinal vascular disorder that may cause macular edema, retinal ischemia, neovascularization, and visual impairment. Fluorescein angiography has traditionally been used to evaluate retinal leakage and perfusion, while optical coherence tomography angiography provides non-invasive, depth-resolved assessment of retinal microvasculature. Objective: To compare the diagnostic findings of fluorescein angiography and optical coherence tomography angiography in patients with retinal vein occlusion. Methods: This cross-sectional diagnostic comparison study included 100 patients clinically diagnosed with branch or central retinal vein occlusion at a tertiary care hospital in Pakistan from January to June 2025. Each participant underwent ophthalmic examination, fluorescein angiography, and optical coherence tomography angiography. Imaging findings were summarized using frequencies, percentages, and 95% confidence intervals. Results: The mean age was 58.40 ± 11.20 years, and branch retinal vein occlusion was present in 65.0% of patients. Fluorescein angiography detected capillary non-perfusion in 72.0%, vascular leakage in 66.0%, macular ischemia in 58.0%, and neovascularization in 19.0%. Optical coherence tomography angiography identified reduced vessel density in 76.0%, capillary dropout in 69.0%, enlarged foveal avascular zone in 63.0%, and microvascular abnormalities in 55.0%. Conclusion: Fluorescein angiography and optical coherence tomography angiography provided complementary diagnostic information. FA remained most useful for leakage assessment, while OCTA added non-invasive microvascular and vessel-density evaluation

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Vol. 4 No. 9 (2026): Volume 4, Issue 9 (May 2026)

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This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

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1.
Um E Farwa, Hubdar Ali Laghari, Kiran Fatima, Ayisha Zahid, Muhammad Israr, Kainat Bibi. Comparative Analysis of Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography vs. Fluorescein Angiography in Diagnosing Retinal Vein Occlusion. JHWCR [Internet]. 2026 May 8 [cited 2026 May 9];4(9):1-9. Available from: https://jhwcr.com/index.php/jhwcr/article/view/1557

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