Ocular Microcirculation of Healthy Volunteer in the Macular Area

Abstract

Abstract: : Purpose:To compare the inter- and intraocular differences of capillary perfusion and intraocular regional differences of retinal blood flow in the macular area of healthy volunteers. Methods:Tissue blood flow in the macula was examined in both eyes of 20 healthy volunteers with a Heidelberg retinal flowmeter. Blood flow measurements were made in a 10° x 2.5° area of the superior and inferior areas of the macula. The mean blood flow (MBF) was calculated by an automatic full field perfusion image analyzer program. The MBF in the right eye and left eyes, and in the superior and inferior macular areas were compared. Results:The ratios of the MBF in the right eye to the left eye in superior and inferior macular areas were 1.002, and 1.032, respectively. The ratio of the MBF in the superior macular area to the inferior area was 1.012 in the right eye, and 1.037 in the left eye. Conclusions: Because no significant differences were found in the MBF between the two eyes and between the superior and inferior macular areas, interocular (affected eye and fellow eye) and intraocular (superior and inferior macular area) comparisons of MBF can be made to determine if changes in retinal perfusion have occurred.

Keywords: retina • macula/fovea • blood supply