Abstract
Purpose::
This study was undertaken to investigate the relationship between the choroidal blood flow and the ocular pulse amplitude (OPA).
Methods::
One eye was randomly selected in 18 healthy subject. OPA was assessed with Dynamic Contour Tonometry followed immediately by measurement of the submacular choroidal blood flow with Laser Doppler Flowmetry. During both examinations the systemic blood pressure was continuously recorded with Finometer. An average systolic and diastolic LDF parameter flow during 30 seconds were determined and the pulsatility index (piLDF) was calculated according to the formula (LDFsys-LDFdia)/LDFdia. An association of OPA with piLDF, mean arterial blood pressure (MAP) and mean intraocular pressure (mIOP) was analyzed in a multivariate regression model.
Results::
In a multivariate regression analysis, piLDF was significantly correlated with OPA readings (r=0.64, p=0.004), whereas mean intraocular pressure and mean arterial blood pressure themselves were no significant contributors in this model (p=0.52 and p=0.97, respectively).
Conclusions::
OPA seems to be more strongly associated with the choroidal blood flow than with the IOP level or systemic blood pressure in healthy subjects.
Clinical Trial::
www.clinicaltrials.gov NCT00313118
Keywords: intraocular pressure • choroid