Blood flow regulation and neural function in the human eye.

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NATURE AND IMPORTANCE OF RESEARCH: Vision is an important sensory modality for maintaining autonomy and quality of life throughout the lifespan. It begins when light strikes the retina, is transformed into an electrical signal and then relayed to the brain via the optic nerve and visual pathways. For vision to remain optimal, the retina and optic nerve head have to be adequately nourished, and this is accomplished by the choroid, the retinal circulation as well as the pial and ciliary circulations. Blood supply to the retina and optic nerve head is what supports the proper function of the neurons. The intricate link between vascular supply and neuronal function is called neurovascular coupling. This means that a delicate balance must be respected between the nutritional needs of the neurons and the nutriments provided by the blood. If this balance fails, it may lead to eye diseases of vascular origin. ANTICIPATED OUTCOMES AND HOW THE FIELD WILL BENEFIT: This research will evaluate in detail the neurovascular coupling in the human retina and optic nerve head when the eye is stressed by conditions inducing a transient decrease in oxygen. This will help us better understand the normal interaction between the neurons and their vascular supply in the healthy eye. These results may also lead to a better understanding as to why this normal relationship fails in three important vascular diseases of the eye that develop more frequently with age: glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy and age-related macular degeneration. HOW CANADA WILL BENEFIT: Because of the aging of the population, a greater number of Canadians are likely to suffer from age-related ocular diseases. The earlier that a diagnosis of a sight threatening condition can be made and appropriate treatment instituted, the greater the likelihood of preserving vision, promoting a better quality of life, and reducing healthcare costs in this growing sector of our population.