Laser-induced macular holes demonstrate impaired choroidal perfusion.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate choroidal perfusion following creation of a laser-induced macular hole in a nonhuman primate model.


METHODS
Six rhesus monkeys underwent macular exposures delivered by a Q-switched Nd:YAG laser. The lesions were evaluated with fluorescein angiography and indocyanine green angiography using scanning laser ophthalmoscopy.


RESULTS
Each lesion produced vitreous hemorrhage and progressed to a full-thickness macular hole. Indocyanine green angiography revealed no perfusion of the choriocapillaris beneath the lesion centers. Fluorescein angiography demonstrated mild enlargement of the foveal avascular zone due to loss of perifoveal capillaries. Histopathologic evaluation showed replacement of the choriocapillaris with fibroblasts and connective tissue.


CONCLUSIONS
Nd:YAG laser-induced macular holes result in long-term impairment of choroidal perfusion at the base of the hole due to choroidal scarring and obliteration of the choriocapillaris. Evaluation of choroidal perfusion may be useful in assessment of laser-injured patients. Impairment in choroidal perfusion may have functional implications for surviving photoreceptors.
Allen
Ronald D
RD
Ophthalmology Service, Brooke Army Medical Center, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, 7965 Dave Erwin Drive, Brooks AFB, TX 78235, USA.
Brown
Jeremiah
J
Zwick
Harry
H
Schuschereba
Steven T
ST
Lund
David J
DJ
Stuck
Bruce E
BE
D000818:Animals; D002829:Choroid / Q000503:physiopathology*; D015862:Choroid Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D004396:Coloring Agents; D005260:Female; D005451:Fluorescein Angiography; D007208:Indocyanine Green; D007834:Lasers / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008253:Macaca mulatta; D008266:Macula Lutea / Q000293:injuries*; D008297:Male; D023421:Models, Animal; D010477:Perfusion; D012167:Retinal Perforations / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D041623:Tomography, Optical Coherence
D004396:Coloring Agents; D007208:Indocyanine Green