Affiliations: [a] Department of Medicine, Royal Infirmary, University of Glasgow, U.K. | [b] Department of Ophthalmology, Western Infirmary, University of Glasgow, U.K.
Note: [] Accepted by: Guest Editor H.J. Meiselman
Abstract: The role of blood rheology in retinal disorders is reviewed. Since retinal vessels can be observed directly, and capillary perfusion observed at fluorescein angiography, retinal studies have been of value in demonstrating the circulatory effects of overtly pathological blood rheology in haematological disorders, i.e. polycythaemias, paraproteinaemias, leukaemias and sickle cell disorders. Moreover, the susceptibility of the retinal circulation to arterial and venous occlusion, diabetic angiopathy, and increased intra-ocular pressure has revealed the potential of covertly pathological blood rheology to further impair blood flow and tissue function. In the compromised retinal circulation where shear forces are reduced, relatively small increases in haematocrit, plasma viscosity, red cell aggregation and cell rigidity may be sufficient to reduce capillary perfusion and hence promote visual complications. Conversely, rheological therapy may be of value in these blinding disorders.
