Reevaluation of the optic disk vasculature

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Neuroscience
• Vascular Biology

Background:

• The vascular supply of the optic nerve head is crucial for vision.
• Previous studies have described the optic disk vasculature with varying emphasis on its connections.

Purpose of the Study:

• To clarify the microvascular anatomy of the optic disk in owl monkeys and humans.
• To determine the precise relationship between optic disk capillaries, retinal vessels, and choroidal vasculature.

Main Methods:

• Whole mounts of optic disks injected with silicone rubber.
• Serial sections of paraffin-embedded ocular tissue.

Main Results:

• The optic disk capillary bed is continuous with retinal and optic nerve vasculature.
• The choriocapillaris is a distinct capillary bed, separate from the optic disk capillaries.
• A vascular cuff at the choroid-optic disk junction appears to be an extension of pial vessels.

Conclusions:

• The optic disk's microvasculature is an integral component of the retina-optic nerve vascular system.
• The relationship to choroidal vasculature is less direct than previously emphasized.