title: The limbal vasculature.
abstract: The cornea is an avascular structure whose closest point of approach to the systemic blood stream is provided by the limbal vessels. Activity within these structures provides the clinician with a sensitive indicator of contact lens performance and associated problems. In this paper, the anatomy and physiology of the limbal vessels is reviewed with particular attention to the control of capillary perfusion. Mechanisms whereby soft contact lenses can interact with this network of vessels are considered.
authors.affiliation: Co-operative Research Centre for Eye Research and Technology, University of New South Wales, Sydney 2031, NSW, Australia.
authors.forename: Eric B
authors.initials: EB
authors.lastname: Papas