Biomicroscopy of the microvasculature of the bulbar conjunctiva in older smokers

Abstract

Objective: The analysis of the antemortem changes of the microvasculature (MV) of the bulbar conjunctiva among older smokers.

Methods: 42 smokers middle age (45–59 years old, n=10), old age (60–74 years old, n=12) and senile age (75–86 years old, n=14) were examined. Smoking history is from 21 to 26 years, the number of smoked cigarettes – from 14 to 18 pieces a day. Control: 28 nonsmokers of both genders 45–59 years old (n=7), 60–74 years old (n=11) and 75–86 years old (n=9). MV was studied applying bio microscopy method using non-hydriatic retinal camera TOPCON TRC-NW8F (Japan), linked to the measuring complex of the automatic system of image analysis ImageScope (Leica, Germany).

Results: Arterioles spasm, unevenness of their caliber, the increase of the number of functioning anastomosis, disalignment of the microvessels and avascular fields were registered more frequently among older smokers, than among middle-aged smokers. Average arterioles diameter, arteriolar-venular coefficient (A/V) and specific density of capillaries were smaller, but the diameter of the venules was bigger among the older smokers than among nonsmokers of the corresponding age. The average arterioles diameter decreased by 22%, veins diameter increased by 15% among smokers aged 40–59. Both A/V coefficient and specific density of the capillaries reduced by 30 and 38% respectively. Among patients aged 60–74 the level of the relevant indicators declined by 5–8% on average. The differences of the examined parameters among smokers and non-smokers aged 75–86 were minimal and reached significant distinctions only on A/C coefficient and specific density of the capillaries.

Conclusions: Chronic tobacco smoking has negative influence on MV of the bulbar conjunctiva among older people: average arterioles size, A/V coefficient and specific density of the capillaries reduces, but the average size of venules increases.