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Regionally Discrete Aqueous Humor Outflow Quantification Using Fluorescein Canalograms
Ralitsa T Loewen1,2, Eric N Brown3, Pritha Roy1,2
1Department of Ophthalmology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, United States of America.
Plos One
|March 22, 2016
Summary
This study developed an imaging algorithm to visualize and quantify aqueous humor outflow in porcine eyes. The algorithm revealed distinct flow patterns and regional differences, aiding in understanding conventional outflow dynamics.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Fluid Dynamics
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Understanding conventional aqueous humor outflow is crucial for managing glaucoma.
- Direct visualization and quantification of outflow in situ remain challenging.
- Current methods often lack the resolution to capture detailed flow patterns.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and validate an imaging algorithm for direct visualization and quantification of conventional outflow.
- To analyze regional and circumferential aqueous humor flow patterns in porcine eyes.
- To assess changes in outflow dynamics over time in ex vivo models.
Main Methods:
- Fluorescein canalograms were performed on porcine whole eyes and anterior segment cultures.
- A novel algorithm was developed to analyze macropixel data for focal flow and perilimbal flow patterns.
- Time-lapse imaging and generalized additive models were used to quantify fluorescence changes.
Main Results:
- The algorithm successfully visualized and quantified focal flow and regional outflow.
- Significantly faster outflow was observed in inferonasal and superonasal quadrants of whole eyes.
- Outflow patterns in anterior chamber cultures showed temporal changes, with notable differences in the inferotemporal quadrant.
Conclusions:
- A new algorithm enables detailed analysis of regional and circumferential aqueous humor outflow.
- Flow patterns exhibit temporal dynamics and differ between whole eyes and anterior segment cultures.
- This technique offers a promising approach for studying outflow physiology and pathology.
