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Variability in choriocapillaris blood flow distribution
R W Flower1, A W Fryczkowski, D S McLeod
1Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory, Laurel, MD 20723-6099, USA.
Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science
|June 1, 1995
Summary
Choriocapillaris blood flow patterns are dynamic and influenced by pressure gradients and physiological changes. These patterns can be altered by intraocular pressure, blood gas levels, and laser treatments.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Physiology
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- The choriocapillaris is a crucial vascular layer in the eye, responsible for supplying oxygen and nutrients to the outer retina.
- Understanding choriocapillaris blood flow dynamics is essential for diagnosing and treating various retinal diseases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the variability and influencing factors of choriocapillaris blood flow patterns in rhesus monkey eyes.
Main Methods:
- Indocyanine green angiography was performed using a pulsed laser and synchronized CCD camera.
- Choriocapillaris filling patterns were analyzed, and plastic corrosion casts were used for correlative microscopy.
Main Results:
- Pulsed laser angiography improved the definition of choriocapillaris filling.
- Choriocapillaris filling patterns showed short-term stability but gradual changes over weeks.
- Blood flow patterns were significantly altered by changes in intraocular pressure, blood O2/CO2 levels, and adjacent retinal laser photocoagulation.
Conclusions:
- Choriocapillaris blood flow is regulated by perfusion pressure gradients within the choroidal vasculature.
- Physiological factors like intraocular pressure and blood gas levels markedly affect choriocapillaris perfusion.
- Alterations in choriocapillaris blood flow following retinal laser treatment may contribute to its therapeutic effects.