Retrobulbar Hemodynamics Correlate to Visual Function in Humans

Abstract

Abstract: : Purpose: To correlate retrobulbar hemodynamics to visual function in humans. Methods: All procedures were approved by an IRB, and informed consent obtained Fifteen healthy persons (27.3 ± 8.9 years, 12 male, 3 female) were recruited for this randomized, cross-over double blind placebo controlled study. Blood flow parameters were measured on a randomly chosen eye at baseline and two hours after administration of the assigned treatment, using color Doppler imaging technology (ATL HDI 5000 color Doppler imaging (CDI) ultrasound, Bothell, WA) with a L12-5 MHz linear array transducer. Treatments included 30 mg nicergoline, 60 mg nicergoline, or placebo. Visual acuity (VA) and contrast sensitivity (CS) were also measured by ETDRS logMAR chart and CSV 1000, respectively. Baseline and post-drug values were compared by ANOVA. Linear regression analysis was used to determine the correlation between blood flow and visual function. Results: Acute administration of nicergoline did not significantly affect retrobulbar hemodynamics or visual function compared to placebo. However, retrobulbar hemodynamics correlated significantly with both CS and VA for all groups (p≤ 0.035, r²≥ 0.492). Conclusions: A statistically significant correlation between retrobulbar hemodynamics and both VA and CS was demonstrated. This suggests a possible association of retrobulbar hemodynamics with visual function.

Keywords: blood supply • imaging methods (CT, FA, ICG, MRI, OCT, RTA, S