High-resolution Imaging using next generation adaprive optics imaging in dry age-related macular degeneration

2018 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 16K11321
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Section: 一般
• Research Field: Ophthalmology
• Research Institution: Kyoto University
• Principal Investigator: OOTO SOTARO 京都大学, 医学研究科, 特定講師 (10511850)
• Co-Investigator(Kenkyū-buntansha): 池田 華子 京都大学, 医学研究科, 准教授 (20372162)
• Research Collaborator: YAMASHIRO KENJI
• Project Period (FY): 2016-04-01 – 2019-03-31
• Keywords: 補償光学 / 加齢黄斑変性 / 脈絡膜 / 視細胞

Outline of Final Research Achievements

We showed photoreceptor abnormalities in dry arge-related macular degeneration using next generation adaptive optics scanning laser ophthalmoscopy. Photoreceptor density was decreased in dry age-related macular degeneration, compared with normal eyes. Abnormalities were also seen in choroidal circulation. Photoreceptor abnormalities were seen in widespread areas surrouding retinal pigment epithelial abnormalities, and mostly correlated with retinal sensitivity. We called "pachychoroid geographic atrophy" as eyes with pachychoroid phenotype and no drusen. Pachychoroid geographic atrophy was different from dry age-related macular degeneration genetically and phonotypically.

Free Research Field

眼科学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

補償光学を利用した、次世代の眼底イメージング機器を用いて、現在まで病態が不明のままである萎縮型加齢黄斑変性の視細胞異常をはじめて示した。脈絡膜血流のイメージングも世界初であった。また視細胞異常が網膜色素上皮異常の周囲にまで拡大しているという結果は、萎縮型加齢黄斑変性の治療戦略に大きな影響を与えるものである。新しく提唱したpachychoroid geographic atrophyという疾患概念は、従来からの萎縮型加齢黄斑変性と異なるものであり、今後の研究では区別して考えるべきである。