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Effect of aging on retinal macular microcirculation: a blue field simulation study
J E Grunwald1, J Piltz, N Patel
1Department of Ophthalmology, Scheie Eye Institute, School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia 19104.
Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science
|December 1, 1993
Summary
Aging reduces blood flow in the retina. This study found that both leukocyte velocity and density in the macular region decrease significantly with age in healthy individuals.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Gerontology
- Microcirculation Research
Background:
- The aging process is associated with structural changes in the retina.
- The impact of aging on retinal macular microcirculation remains less understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of aging on retinal macular microcirculation in healthy individuals.
- To determine if age influences blood flow parameters within the macula.
Main Methods:
- Employed the blue field simulation technique, based on the blue field entoptic phenomenon.
- Healthy volunteers aged 20-78 years participated.
- Subjects matched simulated particle velocity and density with their observed leukocytes, with 10 trials for averaging.
Main Results:
- A significant negative linear correlation was found between leukocyte velocity and age (P=0.0001).
- Leukocyte density also showed a significant negative correlation with age (P=0.009).
- Older subjects (50-78 years) exhibited significantly slower velocity and lower density compared to younger subjects.
Conclusions:
- Retinal macular blood flow, assessed by leukocyte velocity and density, decreases with advancing age in healthy individuals.
- The observed age-related decrease in velocity is comparable to the reduction in foveal ganglion cells.