Abstract
Purpose :
Due to lack of sufficient suprachoroid morphology data there is a controversy regarding the mechanism of fluid flow along uveoscleral pathway. We performed an experimental study of autopsy donor eyes to identify structures possibly involved in fluid passage along the suprachoroidal space.
Methods :
We used 16 autopsy donor eyes from local eyebank with no any visible ophthalmopathology. Donors' age ranged from 24 to 37 years. 10x25 mm scleral strip was removed from limbus towards posterior pole of the eye. We used irrigation with balanced salt solution in different directions to observe flow-induced movement of suprachoroidal lamellae. 3D-videorecording and in-vitro optical coherence tomography were used for visualization and registration.
Results :
Exposed suprachoroid looked like gentle pigmented veil smoothly covering the surface of choroid. Alternate fluid flow revealed a multi-layered three-dimensional structure of suprahorioid which is composed of multiple interconnected “choroid-based flaps” forming posteriorly opened pockets. Irrigation flow directed from posterior pole towards the limbus inflated these pockets. Reverse flow pressed lamellae back to choroid and collapsed the pockets.
Conclusions :
Valve-like stucture of suprachoroid can be responsible for fluid passage along the uveoscleral outflow pathway.
This is an abstract that was submitted for the 2017 ARVO Annual Meeting, held in Baltimore, MD, May 7-11, 2017.