Submacular Choroidal Arteries: A Laser Doppler Holography and OCT Study

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Medical Imaging
• Vascular Biology

Background:

• The anatomy and topography of normal human choroidal arteries are crucial for understanding ocular health and disease.
• Previous imaging techniques have limitations in visualizing the fine details of choroidal vasculature.

Purpose of the Study:

• To document the aspect, topography, and morphometry of normal human choroidal arteries in the posterior pole.
• To characterize the spatial disposition, distribution, and diameters of these arteries using advanced imaging modalities.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study involving 27 healthy subjects (54 eyes).
• Utilized a prototypic laser Doppler holography (LDH) system to capture choroidal circulation and identify high-velocity vessels.
• Registered LDH images with en face and cross-sectional OCT images for detailed analysis of choroidal arteries.

Main Results:

• Choroidal arteries were identified by LDH and OCT, traceable to second and third divisions from short posterior ciliary arteries (sPCAs).
• First-order arteries were predominantly horizontal, located along the sclera-choroid interface, and surrounded by pyramid-shaped avascular structures.
• The diameter of submacular arteries showed a weak correlation with central choroidal thickness (P = 0.09).

Conclusions:

• First-order choroidal arteries originate from sPCAs at the sclerochoroidal interface, distinguished by surrounding avascular spaces.
• The typical finding in normal eyes is a submacular, horizontally oriented first-order artery.
• These findings enhance the understanding of choroidal circulation and related pathologies.