Regional differences in optic disc and retinal circulation

Purpose: To determine regional differences in the circulation of the optic disc, the peripapillary choroid and the retinal vessels using the technique s of computerized image analysis and fluorescein angiography, Methods: Ten young normal subjects were studied, Fluorescein angiography wa s performed with a scanning laser ophthalmoscope, The rate of filling of fl uorescein or slope was measured in the four quadrants of the optic disc, th e peripapillary choroid and the major retinal arteries and veins. A total o f 125 points was measured from each image of the fluorescein angiograms for a total of 20 to 30 images. Retinal vessel width was measured using comput erized image analysis. Results: Comparison of the rates of filling of fluorescein or slopes showed significant differences from zero among the four quadrants of the optic di sc (p= 0.01 to <0.02), of the peripapillary choroid (p=0.01 to <0.05) and a mong the major retinal arteries (p=0.01 to <0.02) and retinal veins (p=0.02 to <0.05), No significant differences were noted between the quadrants for retinal arteria width with the retinaI veins only showing a significant di fference between the inferior nasal and inferior temporal vein (p=0.02 to < 0.05), Conclusion: Evaluation of the circulation of the optic disc, retina, and pe ripapillary choroid should take into account regional differences among the se structures.