The Association between the Pulsatile Choroidal Volume Change and Ocular Rigidity.

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Biomedical Engineering
• Ocular Biomechanics

Background:

• Ocular rigidity (OR) is a key biomechanical property influencing eye health.
• Pulsatile choroidal volume change (ΔV) reflects ocular blood flow dynamics.
• Understanding the relationship between ocular biomechanics and blood flow is crucial for diagnosing and managing eye diseases.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the relationship between pulsatile choroidal volume change (ΔV) and ocular rigidity (OR).
• To assess how ocular biomechanics influence pulsatile ocular blood flow.

Main Methods:

• Prospective cross-sectional study involving 217 participants (235 eyes).
• Pulsatile choroidal volume change (ΔV) measured using dynamic OCT.
• Ocular rigidity (OR) measured using invasive and noninvasive optical methods.
• Correlations assessed in healthy eyes, eyes with glaucoma, and eyes with exudative retinal disease.

Main Results:

• A significant inverse correlation was found between ΔV and OR (r_s = -0.748, P < 0.001) in noninvasive measurements.
• A more compliant eye (lower OR) was associated with greater ΔV.
• No significant correlation was observed between ΔV and age, blood pressure, intraocular pressure, axial length, or diagnosis.

Conclusions:

• An association exists between corneoscleral shell biomechanics and pulsatile ocular blood flow.
• A more rigid eye may resist pulsatile choroidal expansion.
• These findings enhance understanding of the dynamic interplay between ocular blood flow and biomechanics in disease pathophysiology.