Vascular blood flow in different optic nerve head neuropathies

Purpose: To analyze the vascular features of different optic neuropathiesand their blood flow values, by scanning laser Doppler flowmetry. To show,through these examples, the analysis possibilitiesof optic nerve head blood flow with a new software version.Material and methods: We analyzed normal optic nerve heads, and others,affected with glaucoma (localized nerve fiber defect), glaucoma (diffuse atrophy), megalopapilla, anterior ischemicoptic neuropathy (A.I.O.N), and ischemics disorders (Carotid Obstruccion). Thesediseases were analyzed with the Heidelberg retina flowmeter, by scanning laser Doppler flowmetry, with a new software AFPPIA(automatic full field percusión image analyzer).Results: Through the different options of analysis the quantitative andqualitative results are shown in each pathology. He values of each casewere compared with the reference values of a normalcontrol group and the significance of the same were studied.Conclusion: The new automatic full field perfusion image analyzer seems tobe a very useful tool to the evaluation of different optic nerve head disorders concerning blood flow. We still have to studylarger groups in a prospective way and in relation with other conventionalexaminations in order to determine the results statistically.