The Mechanism of Retinal Vessel Pulsation on the Optic Nerve Head

Abstract

Abstract: : Purpose: To determine the mechanism of pulsation of the central retinal artery and vein on the optic nerve head. Methods: 2 groups of volunteers were examined: 1) 23 healthy subjects; 2) 7 patients with intraocular hypertension of different genesis. Pulse oscillations were registered by indirect ophthalmoscopy performed with an "Omega 2C" ophthalmoscope and a "Heine" camera–recorder on one eye. Simultaneously, from the second eye was recorded reoophthalmography. ECG’s were also recorded. Central artery pulsation was produced by ophthalmodynamometry. Results: We propose that the cause of central retinal vein pulsation results from the influence of the internal limiting membrane of the retina. As far as this membrane serves as an interface between intraocular and intracranial pressures it produces the "effect of plane pressure" upon the retinal vessels, thus contractive force at this place is significantly increased. Brief collapse of the central retinal artery registered by ophthalmodynamommetry does not correspond to the transmural blood pressure in it. Conclusions: Pulsation of central retinal vessels is caused by the combined influence of the plane pressure effect formed by the pressure gradient created by the internal limiting membrane of the retina between intraocular and intracranial pressures.

Keywords: blood supply