Choroidal perfusion in eyes with untreated choroidal melanoma

Purpose: Previous studies indicate that ocular blood flow is altered in eyes with choroidal melanoma. In the present study pulsatile ocular blood flow (POBF) was assessed to investigate whether there exists a correlation between tumour size and ocular blood flow parameters. Methods: Twenty-two patients with unilateral untreated choroidal melanoma were studied using two measurement techniques: POBF was measured with a pneumotonometer and local foveal fundus pulsation amplitude (FPA) by laser interferometry, and results were correlated. Tumour volume was calculated using the ellipsoidal solid model and was correlated to POBF and FPA. Results: Levels of POBF and FPAs tended to be higher in tumour eyes compared with unaffected eyes, but the differences did not reach the level of significance. Both methods showed a high degree of correlation in unaffected eyes. In tumour eyes the correlation was slightly less pronounced. There was no correlation between tumour and POBF or FPA. Conclusions: Our results do not indicate choroidal hyperperfusion in patients with choroidal melanoma. The clinical usefulness of measuring POBF in tumour patients may be limited.