Abstract
Conjunctival capillary microscopy is a non-invasive method that visualize capillaries, venules and arterioles of the human bulbar conjunctiva. Conjunctival vessels may show morphological abnormalities : capillary and venular microanevrysms, venular enlargement and kinking. Although none of these findings alone is specific for any disease, scores have been built for early recognition of the diabetic microangiopathy and degenerative vascular disease.
Grading red blood cell aggregation (R.B.C.A.) is possible in vivo. We found significant correlations (p < 0.001) of conjunctival R.B.C.A. with erythrocyte sedimentation rate (+), blood fibrinogen (+) and albumin (-). The two-dimensional organisation of conjunctival microvessels allows morphometric quantitation of microvascular density and other structural parameters. This technic may be used for pharmacological purposes and has provided interesting insights in diabetic and hypertensive microangiopathies. Using by hand morphometry, we found a negative correlation between R.B.C.A. and capillary density, consistent with a negative influence of erythrocyte aggregation on capillary perfusion.
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