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Abstract #3472 Published in IGR 4-2
Effect of senescence on ocular blood flow in the retina, neuroretinal rim and lamina cribrosa, using scanning laser Doppler flowmetry
Embleton SJ; Hosking SL; Roff Hilton EJ; Cunliffe IAEye 2002; 16: 156-162
PURPOSE: To determine the effects of age on blood flow measurements obtained using the scanning laser Doppler flowmeter (SLDF). METHODS: Using SLDF (Heidelberg Retina Flowmeter, Heidelberg Engineering, Germany) three 10° images were taken of the superior temporal retina and three further images of the superior temporal neuroretinal rim in 15 young, healthy subjects (mean age, 27.9 ± 6.2 years) and 15 mature, healthy subjects (mean age, 65.2 ± 13.7 years). In addition, measurements were taken of the lamina cribrosa in 12 of the volunteers from each subject group (mean age, 27.1 ± 6.3 and 64.8 ± 13.2 years, respectively). Using a 10 x 10 pixel measurement frame, blood flow readings were obtained at a predetermined position on the retina, neuroretinal rim and lamina cribrosa. Student's two-tailed unpaired t tests were used to compare measures of blood flow, volume and velocity between the two subject groups (P < 0.05). In addition, linear regression analysis was used to assess the relationship between age and blood flow, volume and velocity at the retina, neuroretinal rim and lamina cribrosa. RESULTS: Retinal blood volume measured at the retina was significantly lower in the mature compared with the young subject group (p = 0.01). Mature subjects also exhibited reduced blood flow and velocity at the neuroretinal rim (p = 0.01 for both parameters) and lamina cribrosa (p = 0.008 and 0.01, respectively). Regression analysis revealed negative trends for all blood flow parameters in each of the anatomical areas with advancing age. Significant negative correlations were obtained for retinal blood volume (r = -0.455, p < 0.05), neuroretinal rim blood velocity (r = -0.359, p < 0.05) and lamina cribrosa blood volume (r = -0.475, p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Capillary blood flow in the retina, neuroretinal rim and lamina cribrosa decreases with advancing age. This may be of consequence in the progression of chronic ocular diseases such as glaucoma, and should be considered in the longitudinal determination of change in disease monitoring.
Dr. S.M. Embleton, Neurosciences Research Institute School of Life and Health Sciences Aston University Birmingham, UK
Classification:
6.11 Bloodflow measurements (Part of: 6 Clinical examination methods)
