Abstract
Purpose :
The peripapillary scleral flange (PSF) is the continuation of the posterior sclera after separating from the optic nerve dura mater and serves as the biomechanical anchor for the lamina cribrosa from which it is separated by the peripapillary border tissue of Elschnig. In view of its biomechanical importance for the optic nerve head, we here determined the dimensions of the PSF and its associatios with axial length.
Methods :
The study included human globes which had been enucleated due to malignant melanomas or end-stage secondary angle closure glaucoma. Histologic slides were histomorphometrically examined.
Results :
The study included 202 eyes of patients with a mean age of 61.7±13.7 years (range:24-89 years) and a mean axial length of 24.9±2.5mm (range:20.0-35.0mm). The mean thickness of the PSF was 0.37±0.10mm (median:0.38mm;range:0.10-0.76mm), and a mean length of 0.54±0.43mm (range:0.05-2.14mm). PSF thickness was inversely correlated with longer PSF length (P=0.001;standardized regression coefficient beta:-0.46) and longer axial length (P=0.001;beta=-0.23). Correspondingly, PSF length increased with longer axial length (P<0.001;beta=0.49).
Conclusions :
Axial elongation is associated with a marked elongation and corresponding thinning of the PSL. With the PSF being the biomechanical anchor of the lamina cribrosa, the findings may be of interest for the biomechanics of the optic nerve head in axial myopia
This abstract was presented at the 2019 ARVO Annual Meeting, held in Vancouver, Canada, April 28 - May 2, 2019.