TIME-COURSE RETINAL CIRCULATION CHANGES IN EYES WITH CENTRAL RETINAL ARTERY OCCLUSION USING LASER SPECKLE FLOWGRAPHY.

Abstract

To evaluate retinal circulation in eyes with central retinal artery occlusion. The best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), fluorescein angiography, and laser speckle flowgraphy values were measured at the first visit in 42 patients with central retinal artery occlusion (42 eyes; mean age, 66.0 ± 14.0 years). Laser speckle flowgraphy was performed at baseline, 1 week, and 1, 3, and 6 months; the difference between the mean blur rate vessel area and mean blur rate tissue area (MV-MT), reflecting the retinal vessel blood flow, was measured. Fluorescein angiography measured the arteriovenous passage time. Time-course changes in the MV-MT and BCVA, and the relationship between MV-MT and final BCVA were examined. Mean blur rate vessel area and mean blur rate tissue area were significantly correlated with arteriovenous passage time ( P < 0.001). The MV-MT increased significantly after 1, 3, and 6 months ( P < 0.001). The visual acuity improved significantly until 1 month ( P < 0.01). Multivariate analysis showed a significant correlation between the baseline BCVA ( P < 0.001) and MV-MT at 1 month ( P = 0.01) and the final BCVA. Age and MV-MT significantly negatively correlated at 1 month ( P < 0.001). The retinal circulation improved significantly within 1 month; younger patients had better retinal circulation improvement. The baseline BCVA and retinal circulation within 1 month correlated with the final BCVA.