The microvasculature in the aging eye: a target for neuroprotection in age-related ocular disease

Normal human aging is associated with a decrease in blood flow in the brain. This decline in blood flow has been linked to changes in vascular structure and in the ability of blood vessels to respond to metabolic changes and signals. The retina is a tissue at the back of the eye that performs the essential task of converting visual input into an electrochemical signal that is processed by the brain into vision. The retina is a part of the central nervous system and also manifests age-related vascular changes similar to those seen in the brain. Although aging is a normal physiological phenomenon, the changes that occur in aging vessels may reduce the amount of oxygen available to ocular tissues and increase disease susceptibility. Consistent with this, the incidence and prevalence of blinding eye diseases such as age-related macular degeneration and glaucoma, also significantly increases with age. This research is examining changes in the structure and function of the aging retinal microvasculature. We want to determine how these vascular changes affect other cells in the retina and whether age-related vasculature changes make the retina especially sensitive to oxidative stress. In addition, we are examining whether drugs that cause relaxation of blood vessels and increase blood flow can protect the aging eye from oxidative damage. Results from this study may suggest new treatment strategies targeted at the retinal vasculature in the aging population. This research has the potential to improve the health and quality of life for older Canadians.