Investigation of Choroidal Circulation Hemodynamics Using Laser Speckle Flowgraphy After Periocular Skin Warming

Purpose: The aim of the current study was to evaluate changes in choroidal circulation hemodynamics after periocular skin warming at 40°C using laser speckle flowgraphy (LSFG).

Methods: Twenty-four right eyes of 24 healthy participants were included. Changes in choroidal circulation hemodynamics were determined using LSFG to evaluate the mean blur rate (MBR) of the macula, which represents choroidal blood flow velocity. Systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), mean blood pressure (MBP), heart rate (HR), ocular perfusion pressure (OPP), and subfoveal choroidal thickness (SCT) were also measured, and sympathetic nerve status was assessed via salivary α-amylase (sAA) activity at baseline and after periocular skin warming.

Results: Immediately after warming, SBP, DBP, MBP, HR, OPP, sAA activity, and MBR were significantly lower than baseline. SCT was significantly increased.

Conclusion: In the normal eye, the decrease in sympathetic nerve activity induced by the relaxing effects of periocular skin warming reduces systemic circulatory activity and choroidal circulatory dynamics.