Journal article

Retinal Vascular Caliber: Systemic, Environmental, and Genetic Associations

C Sun, JJ Wang, DA Mackey, TY Wong

Survey of Ophthalmology | Published : 2009

Abstract

Quantitative studies of retinal vascular caliber using new computer-assisted retinal imaging systems have allowed physicians and researchers to understand the influence of systemic, environmental, and genetic factors on retinal vascular caliber. Retinal vascular caliber changes reflect cumulative response to aging, cardiovascular risk factors, inflammation, nitric oxide-dependent endothelial dysfunction, and other processes. Recent epidemiological studies have shown that changes in retinal arteriolar and venular caliber size may reflect the differential effects of a range of systemic, environmental, and genetic risk factors. Narrower retinal arteriolar caliber and smaller arteriovenous ratio..

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Grants

Awarded by National Institutes of Health


Funding Acknowledgements

This article was funded by the Foundation for Children Australia and Ophthalmic Research Institute of Australia in 2008; partially funded by NIH grant R21-HL077166 from NHLBI; the Science Technology Innovation (STI) Grant; and the Sylvia and Charles Viertel Clinical Investigator Award, Australia (Tien Y Wong, MD, PhD). Cong Sun, MD, MPH, is the recipient of a National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) postgraduate scholarship. The authors reported no proprietary or commercial interest in any product mentioned or concept discussed in this article.