Noninvasive Assessment of Retinal Macular Capillary Blood Flow Regulation

Abstract

Quantitative determination of retinal blood flow and its regulation is fundamental to an understanding of the pathophysiology of the retinal vascular system and to an objective evaluation of the effect of treatment. Of particular importance is the quantification of blood flow in the capillaries, where the exchange of nutrients and waste products takes place. For example, impairment of this exchange is believed to play an important role in the development of diabetic retinopathy, a disease which often results in severe visual loss.