OCULAR HEMODYNAMICS IN NON-EXUDATIVE AGE RELATED MACULAR DEGENERATION

Abstract

Purpose: To explore changes in retrobulbar ocular blood flow dynamics in patients with nonexudative age- related macular degeneration (ARMD). Materials and Methods: 52 patients (M=28, F=24) with ARMD and 45 age-matched healthycontrols (M=23, F=22) were included in our evaluation. Full ophthalmic examination and orbitalcolor Doppler imaging was performed in both eyes. Peak systolic and end-diastolic velocities,resistive and pulsatility indices were considered as Doppler blood flow parameters in ourevaluation. Central retinal, ophthalmic, temporal posterior ciliary and nasal posterior ciliaryarteries measurements were taken. Results: The mean age was 65.90 ± 2.05 in ARMD and 60.95 ± 1.34 in thecontrol group. Pulsatility and resistive indices in ophthalmic arteries of ARMD patients weresignificantly higher than the control group. The peak systolic and end-diastolic velocities innasal and temporal posterior ciliary arteries were significantly lower whereas pulsatility andresistive indices were significantly higher in ARMD compared to the control group. Peak systolicand end-diastolic velocities and resistive indices were significantly higher in ARMD cases,especially in posterior ciliary arteries supplying the choroid. Conclusion: Perfusion defects of the retrobulbar vasculatures were significantly higher inARMD compared to the healthy controls