Abstract
Abstract: :
Purpose: To evaluate the number of peripapillar vessels of non–smoking and smoking population. Methods: 239 people without hypertension, diabetes nor hyperlipidemia compose the study cohort. 99 people compose the non–smokers group. 50 People which smoke 11 cigarettes/day and more compose the heavy smokers group. 30 People, which smoke up to10 cigarettes/day, compose the mild smokers group. 60 people are included in the ex–smokers group (at least one year). One eye per person, which was randomly chosen, has been included in the evaluation. Peripapillar vessels were counted in a masked way within 2000 µm from the optic disc on digital fundus photographs. Results: The mean number of peripapillar vessels of the non–smokers, heavy smokers, mild smokers and ex–smokers is 21,1±2,3, 23,4±2,2, 22,6±2,8, and 20,7±2,9 vessels respectively. There is a significant difference between the non–smokers group and the mild and heavy smokers (p<0,01). There is a significant difference between the ex–smokers group and the mild and heavy smokers (p<0,001). There is a no significant difference between the non–smokers group and ex–smokers group and between mild and heavy smokers. The number of peripapillar vessels decrease with age significally in all 4 groups (p<0,01). The groups do not differ in mean age and male/female ratio. Conclusions: Smokers have significally more peripapillar vessels then non–smokers. Cessation of smoking causes a decrease in the number of peripapillar vessels to the normal level. A relative ischemia due to smoking may be the cause of peripapillar vessels increase. Cessation of smoking eliminates the relative ischemia and the number of peripapillar vessels returns to normal.
Keywords: retina • blood supply