Age-related changes in retrobulbar circulation: a literature review

Abstract

Introduction: The advances in research methods used in ophthalmology allow for an increasingly accurate examination of the eyes, as well as the morphology and function of the vessels. Colour Doppler imaging is still the first-line method for the analysis of parameters of retrobulbar circulation. Therefore, the aim of this work was to present the current state of knowledge about anatomical and functional age-related changes in retrobulbar arteries.

Methods: A literature search was performed mainly based on the PubMed database.

Results: The anatomy of retrobulbar arteries, histological background of age-related vascular changes, age-related changes in retrobulbar blood flow in the ophthalmic artery, central retinal artery, short posterior ciliary arteries, and the reference values for the age-dependent retrobulbar circulation parameters measured by colour Doppler imaging are discussed in this review.

Conclusion: The age of the subject should always be taken into account when interpreting the parameters of retrobulbar blood flow measured by colour Doppler imaging.

Keywords: Ageing; Colour Doppler imaging; Ocular blood flow; Retrobulbar circulation.