Age-related changes in the fractal dimension of the retinal microvasculature, effects of cardiovascular risk factors and smoking behaviour.

ABSTRACT:

Purpose

This cross-sectional study investigates the association between retinal vessel complexity and age and studies the effects of cardiovascular health determinants.

Methods

Retinal vessel complexity was assessed by calculating the box-counting fractal dimension (D_f ) from digital fundus photographs of 850 subjects (3-97 years). All photographs were labelled as 'non-pathological' by the treating ophthalmologist.

Results

Statistical models showed a significantly decreasing relationship between age and D_f (linear: R-squared = 0.1897, p < 0.0001; quadratic: R-squared = 0.2343, p < 0.0001; cubic: R-squared = 0.2721, p < 0.0001), with the cubic regression model offering the best compromise between accuracy and model simplicity. Multivariate cubic r

SUBMITTER: Lemmens S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9546094 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature