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Title

Assessment of structural neurovascular coupling of radial peripapillary capillary in neovascular age dependent macular degeneration

Purpose	To study structural neurovascular coupling of radial peripapillary capillary (RPC) in neovascular age dependent macular degeneration (nAMD), using optical coherence tomography angiography.
Methods	A cross-sectional evaluation of RPCs was performed using optical coherence tomography angiography (Avanti RTVue-XR 100, Optovue Inc, Fremont, CA). Annular RPC density and retinal nerve fiber layer thickness were obtained to analyse their correlation. Linear and multiple linear regression models were used.
Results	We included 36 eyes (n = 18 control; n = 18 nAMD from 36 subjects (mean [SD] age 74.05 [7.4] years). When compared with controls, no significant difference was found in annular RPC density and retinal nerve fiber layer thickness. (RPC density: P = 0.299; RNFL: P = 0.365). In eyes with neovascular age-dependent macular degeneration, RPC density and retinal nerve fiber layer thickness correlated significantly (linear regression: R2 = 0.226, P = 0.016). After correction for sex, best-corrected visual acuity, eye pressure, age, spherical equivalent and number of injection, this correlation was still significant. In the control eyes, no such correlation was found.
Conclusion	Although, no significant differences in RPC density and RNFL thickness were found, these parameters did correlate significantly in nAMD. This correlation was not found in control eyes. Their significance in the pathophysiology warrants further research.
Conflict of interest	No

Authors 1

Last name	NELIS
Initials	P
Department	UZBrussel (VUB)
City	Brussels

Authors 2

Last name	Ten Tusscher
Initials	M
Department	UZBrussel (VUB)
City	Brussels

Authors 3

Last name	Eter
Initials	N
Department	Universitätsaugenklinik Münster
City	Muenster

Authors 4

Last name	Alnawaiseh
Initials	M
Department	Universitätsaugenklinik Münster
City	Muenster