Choriavaskularisierung

Choriavaskularisierung refers to the vascular supply of the choroid layer of the eye. The choroid is a richly vascularized tissue located between the retina and the sclera. Its primary function is to nourish the outer layers of the retina, including the photoreceptor cells, and to regulate the temperature of the eye.

The blood supply to the choroid comes mainly from the posterior ciliary arteries, which branch from the ophthalmic artery. These arteries penetrate the sclera and divide to form a dense network of capillaries within the choroidal stroma. This capillary network, known as the choriocapillaris, is crucial for efficient nutrient and oxygen exchange with the retinal pigment epithelium and the outer segments of the photoreceptors.

In certain pathological conditions, such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and choroidal neovascularization (CNV), abnormal blood vessels can develop within or beneath the choroid. These neovascular membranes are often leaky, leading to fluid accumulation, hemorrhage, and impaired vision. Diagnostic techniques like optical coherence tomography (OCT) angiography and fluorescein angiography are used to visualize and assess choriavaskularisierung and any associated abnormalities. Treatment strategies for CNV aim to inhibit the growth of these abnormal vessels, often using anti-VEGF therapies.