This presentation describes the unique anatomy and physiology of the vascular beds that serve the eye. The needs for an unobstructed light path from the cornea to the retina and a relatively fixed corneal curvature and distance between refractive structures pose significant challenges for the vasculature to provide nutrients and remove metabolic waste. To meet these needs, the ocular vascular beds are confined to the periphery of the posterior two thirds of the eye and a surrogate circulation provides a continuous flow of aqueous humor to nourish the avascular cornea, lens and vitreous compartment. The production of aqueous humor (and its ease of egress from the eye) also generates the intraocular pressure (IOP), which maintains the shape of the eye. However, the IOP also exerts a compressing force on the ocular blood vessels that is higher than elsewhere in the body. This is particularly true for the intraocular veins, which must have a pressure higher than IOP to remain patent, and so the IOP is the effective venous pressure for the intraocular vascular beds. Consequently, the ocular circulation operates at a lower perfusion pressure gradient than elsewhere in the body and is more at risk for ischemic damage when faced with low arterial pressure, particularly if IOP is elevated. This risk and the specialized tissues of the eye give rise to the fascinating physiology of the ocular circulations. Table of Contents: Introduction / Anatomy / Blood flow measuring techniques / Ocular perfusion pressure, IOP and the ocular Starling resistor effect / Ocular blood flow effects on IOP / Local control of ocular blood flow / Neural control of ocular blood flow / Summary

In the second edition of Atlas of Ocular Blood Flow, Dr. Alon Harris details the vascular anatomy and physiology of the eye, analyzes the eye's blood supply, and evaluates the latest technologies available for assessing patients. He shows you how irregular ocular blood flow patterns can indicate systemic or medication-related conditions, and presents images and actual case reports to illustrate the use of new technologies such as OCT with Doppler application and non-invasive retinal oximetry. With more than 400 illustrations, most in full color, this is the only atlas worldwide that gives you pictorial presentations, anatomical illustrations, and detailed descriptions of the methods available to measure blood flow. Gain a clear understanding of the anatomy/physiology of the blood supply to and within the eye to help make more effective clinical decisions. Analyze the potential effects of blood flow changes in various eye illnesses to see how they are influenced by diseases like glaucoma and age-related macular degeneration. Rely on the extensive experience of the authors in implementing new technologies to better access ocular circulation. Diagnose ocular, systemic, or medication-related conditions in patients by measuring their ocular blood flow. Master the newest techniques and glimpse new technologies that will be available for assessing ocular blood flow in the future. Visualize anatomy, techniques, and imaging findings with more than 400 illustrations.

Adequate blood supply to the eye is an important prerequisite for normal visual function. Over the past 40 years our knowledge of ocular blood flow regulation has improved significantly. This reader-friendly textbook provides a comprehensive overview of the current knowledge of ocular blood flow. Lavishly illustrated, it evaluates the wide array of methods that have been used to measure ocular blood flow. Furthermore, it not only offers the reader an evidence-based summary of the physiological and pharmacological properties of ocular blood flow regulation, but also demonstrates the ocular blood flow abnormalities in different vascular diseases. This book will enhance the understanding of all who are interested in learning more about ocular blood flow in health and disease.

This is the sixth World Glaucoma Association Consensus. The relationship between ocular blood flow and glaucoma has been discussed for more than a century, and still it uniformly fuels debates at glaucoma meetings throughout the world. Clearly, the results of this report will have broad and significant impact on glaucoma research and clinical practice. The global faculty, consisting of leading authorities on the scientific and clinical aspects of ocular blood flow, have met in Fort Lauderdale on May 2, 2009 to discuss the reports and refine the consensus statements.