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The role of optical coherence tomography (OCT) in retinal and choroidal pathology with a focus on intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor therapy

Abdolrahimzadeh, Solmaz (2016) The role of optical coherence tomography (OCT) in retinal and choroidal pathology with a focus on intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor therapy. PhD based on Published Works thesis, University of Kent,. (doi:10.22024/UniKent/01.02.57938) (Access to this publication is currently restricted. You may be able to access a copy if URLs are provided) (KAR id:57938)

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Abstract

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is an imaging method for non-invasive, in vivo visualisation of the choroid and retina. The advent of OCT has greatly contributed to the understanding of disease mechanisms in retinal and choroidal pathology. It is used in clinical practice and in the management of intravitreal therapy. We contributed novel findings on choroidal nodules, peripapillary retinal nerve fibre alterations, and retinal microvascular changes in neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) using OCT. Furthermore, we studied the relationship of choroidal thickness on individual retinal layer thicknesses in NF1 and the Sturge Weber syndrome. We reported on macular thickness changes following cataract surgery using OCT and the use of intravitreal dexamethasone therapy as a therapeutic option in clinically significant macular oedema. Moreover, we used OCT to study the effects of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) therapy in myopic choroidal neovascularisation and retinal angiomatous proliferation. Our studies informed the ongoing clinical debate regarding the management of these pathologies. Furthermore, as anti-VEGF therapy can theoretically affect the neural components of the retina, we reported that repeated treatment with ranibizumab does not cause significant thickness alterations of the ganglion cell complex. Finally, we demonstrated that the treatment of choroidal metastases with anti-VEGF therapy (intravitreal bevacizumab) resulted in tumour regression and resolution of macular oedema. In conclusion, we acquired an improved understanding of ophthalmologic pathologies that contributed to the development of better therapies for ophthalmologic patients through the use of OCT.

Item Type: Thesis (PhD based on Published Works)
Thesis advisor: Michaelis, Martin
Thesis advisor: Wass, Mark N.
DOI/Identification number: 10.22024/UniKent/01.02.57938
Additional information: The author of this thesis has requested that it be held under closed access. We are sorry but we will not be able to give you access or pass on any requests for access. 17/05/22
Uncontrolled keywords: ophthalmology, optical coherence tomography, choroid, retina, anti-vascular endothelial growth factor therapy, intravitreal therapy neurofibromatosis type 1, Sturge-Weber syndrome, choroidal nodules choroidal thickness, peripapillary retinal nerve finer layer, myopic choroidal neovascularization, retinal microvascular changes retinal angiomatous proliferation, macular thickness, macular oedema, cataract surgery
Subjects: Q Science
Divisions: Divisions > Division of Natural Sciences > Biosciences
Depositing User: Users 1 not found.
Date Deposited: 18 Oct 2016 13:00 UTC
Last Modified: 27 Jul 2022 08:41 UTC
Resource URI: https://kar.kent.ac.uk/id/eprint/57938 (The current URI for this page, for reference purposes)

University of Kent Author Information

Abdolrahimzadeh, Solmaz.

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