Open AccessRegional differences in optic disc and retinal circulation
Author(s) -
Schwartz Bernard,
Harris Alon,
Takamoto Takenori,
Kagemann Larry,
Evans David,
Chung Hak S.
Publication year - 2000
Publication title -
acta ophthalmologica scandinavica
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 1600-0420
pISSN - 1395-3907
DOI - 10.1034/j.1600-0420.2000.078006627.x
Subject(s) - medicine , retinal , choroid , ophthalmology , optic disc , fluorescein angiography , central retinal vein , retina , fluorescein , central retinal artery , anatomy , optics , fluorescence , physics
. Purpose: To determine regional differences in the circulation of the optic disc, the peripapillary choroid and the retinal vessels using the techniques of computerized image analysis and fluorescein angiography. Methods: Ten young normal subjects were studied. Fluorescein angiography was performed with a scanning laser ophthalmoscope. The rate of filling of fluorescein or slope was measured in the four quadrants of the optic disc, the peripapillary choroid and the major retinal arteries and veins. A total of 125 points was measured from each image of the fluorescein angiograms for a total of 20 to 30 images. Retinal vessel width was measured using computerized image analysis. Results: Comparison of the rates of filling of fluorescein or slopes showed significant differences from zero among the four quadrants of the optic disc (p=0.01 to <0.02), of the peripapillary choroid (p=0.01 to <0.05) and among the major retinal arteries (p=0.01 to <0.02) and retinal veins (p=0.02 to <0.05). No significant differences were noted between the quadrants for retinal arterial width with the retinal veins only showing a significant difference between the inferior nasal and inferior temporal vein (p=0.02 to <0.05). Conclusion: Evaluation of the circulation of the optic disc, retina, and peripapillary choroid should take into account regional differences among these structures.