Abstract:Optical coherence tomography angiography(OCTA)is an innovative non-invasive imaging technology that enables non-invasive, layered, and three-dimensional quantitative visualization of the retinal and choroidal capillary networks by detecting blood flow signals in a contrast-free manner. With its non-invasiveness, high resolution, and quantifiability, OCTA demonstrates significant potential in disease screening, precise staging, treatment decision-making, and prognosis prediction. Its core advantage lies in the accurate quantification of key microcirculation parameters, such as vessel density(VD), non-perfusion area(NPA), foveal avascular zone(FAZ)morphology, and neovascular activity. In diabetic retinopathy(DR), retinal vascular occlusive diseases(RVO/RAO), age-related macular degeneration(ARMD), and glaucoma, OCTA can sensitively detect reduced vessel density in the deep capillary plexus before clinically visible lesions appear, providing a basis for early screening and risk stratification. Additionally, OCTA has shown important value in managing uveitis, pathological myopia, and other ocular conditions. This review systematically elaborates on the technical principles, key quantitative parameters, and core application value of OCTA in the management of various ophthalmic diseases and presents scientific prospects for the application of OCTA in standardized ophthalmic treatment. With further advancements in hardware scanning speed, wide-field imaging capabilities, artificial intelligence algorithms, and multi-modal integration, OCTA is expected to become an essential component of standard ophthalmic diagnosis and treatment. It may also provide a non-invasive window for microcirculation research in neurological and systemic diseases.
