Changes in choroidal hemodynamics of form-deprivation myopia in Guinea pigs

We studied changes in the choroid, particularly variation in blood flow, during the development of myopia. The hemodynamic mechanism in play remains unclear. We evaluated blood flow by quantitating indocyanine green (ICG) fluorescence in a guinea pig model of form-deprivation myopia.

Guinea pigs were divided into form-deprivation myopia (FDM) and normal control (NC) groups. Ocular biometric and choroidal hemodynamics parameters were quantitatively derived via ICG imaging, and included the maximal ICG fluorescence intensity (I_max), rising time (T_rising), blood flow index (BFI), and mean transit time (MTT).

Form deprivation was associated with significant interocular differences in terms of both refractive error and axial length. ICG fluorescence hemodynamic maps of fundal blood flow and vasculature density were evident. In deprived eyes, the fluorescence signals exhibited significantly longer T_rising and MTT but lower I_max and BFI than fellow eyes and NC group. The interocular differences in terms of the ocular biometric and hemodynamic parameters were significantly correlated. Hemodynamic analysis of choriocapillaris lobules revealed weakened fluorescence intensity and prolonged arrival and filling times in deprived eyes. Form deprivation reduced the number of lobulated choriocapillaris structures.

Form-deprivation myopia triggered changes in the hemodynamic and vascular network structures of the choroid and choriocapillaris. The ICG fluorescence imaging/analysis method provides a unique tool for further myopia research.