Insights into the Formation Process of the Retinal Vasculature

Abstract

Growth phenomena have been studied extensively in natural sciences. This interest has been renewed since the introduction of the fractal concept. In an attempt to understand the origin of irregular phenomena, several computer models and theoretical approaches have recently been developed. Studies using fractal analysis of the retinovasculature have proposed diffusion-limited aggregation (DLA) one of the most popular models to explain the formation of the retina. A deeper investigation of the physiological laws ruling the development of the retinovasculature has, however, revealed static and dynamic discrepancies with DLA, leading to rejection of the DLA model, and reopening the debate. In light of comparison of the two formation processes and of the absence of a DLA structural characteristic in retinovasculature, we discuss the validity of some previously proposed models.