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Microvasculature of the human optic nerve
E Onda1, G A Cioffi, D R Bacon
1Department of Ophthalmology, Gifu University School of Medicine, Japan.
American Journal of Ophthalmology
|July 1, 1995
Summary
The short posterior ciliary arteries primarily supply blood to the anterior optic nerve, with the circle of Zinn-Haller often forming an important anastomosis. Venous drainage mainly occurs via the central retinal vein.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Neuroscience
- Vascular Anatomy
Background:
- The microvasculature of the anterior optic nerve is crucial for its function.
- Understanding its blood supply is essential for diagnosing and treating optic neuropathies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the normal microvascular anatomy of the anterior optic nerve in human eyes.
- To elucidate the primary arterial sources and venous drainage pathways.
Main Methods:
- Vascular corrosion casting using methyl methacrylate on 18 human eye bank eyes.
- Selective cannulation of the central retinal artery and/or short posterior ciliary arteries.
- Preflushing with tissue plasminogen activator to improve microvascular filling.
Main Results:
- The superficial nerve fiber layer is supplied by the central retinal artery.
- An arterial circle of Zinn-Haller was observed in 11/13 eyes, supplying the prelaminar/laminar regions and peripapillary choroid.
- Direct branches from short posterior ciliary arteries supplied the anterior optic nerve in eyes lacking the circle.
- Venous drainage predominantly occurred through the central retinal vein.
Conclusions:
- The short posterior ciliary arteries are the main arterial supply to the anterior optic nerve.
- The peripapillary choroid's contribution is minimal compared to direct supply from the short posterior ciliary arteries.