Ocular microvasculature

The ocular microvasculature is a complex anatomical system comprising the retinal and choroidal vascular networks, which are essential for maintaining the metabolic demands of the neural retina and supporting visual function (Kur et al., 2012, Progress in Retinal and Eye Research). This system is characterized by the blood-retinal barrier (BRB), a highly selective physiological gatekeeper formed by tight junctions between endothelial cells and retinal pigment epithelium that regulates the ocular microenvironment (NIH/NEI, 2023). Pathological alterations in the ocular microvasculature, such as microaneurysms, capillary non-perfusion, and VEGF-mediated neovascularization, are the primary drivers of vision loss in prevalent conditions like diabetic retinopathy and neovascular age-related macular degeneration (StatPearls, 2023). Therapeutic strategies targeting this system primarily involve the intravitreal administration of monoclonal antibodies or fusion proteins that neutralize pro-angiogenic factors like Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) to inhibit abnormal vessel growth and reduce edema (PubMed, PMC6053813). While highly effective, these treatments require frequent administration and carry risks such as intraocular inflammation or pressure spikes. Modern clinical assessment of the ocular microvasculature has shifted toward non-invasive imaging, specifically Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography (OCTA), which allows for the precise quantification of capillary plexuses and the foveal avascular zone to monitor disease progression and treatment efficacy (Journal of Ophthalmic & Vision Research, 2018).

Other names

Retinal microvasculatureChoroidal microvasculatureOcular blood vesselsRetinal vasculatureChoriocapillaris

Inhibition of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) and/or Angiopoietin-2 (Ang-2) to suppress pathological angiogenesis, reduce vascular permeability, and stabilize the blood-retinal barrier.