Effects of age on the peak ratio of ophthalmic artery Doppler

This study aimed to investigate the effects of age on the peak ratio (PR) of ophthalmic artery (OA) Doppler. The initial peak velocity (P1), second peak velocity (P2) and PR of OA were detected by color Doppler ultrasonography in 147 healthy subjects. All of the subjects were divided into 6 groups (G1-G6) according to the age. (G1, 20-29 years; G2, 30-39 years; G3, 40-49 years; G4, 50-59 years; G5, 60-69 years; and G6, 70 years or older). The blood pressure and heart rate were also examined before ultrasonography. The influences of age, blood pressure and heart rate on the P1, P2, and PR were further evaluated. There were significant differences in the P2 and PR among different age groups except for P1. There were no significant differences in the P2 and PR between the first 2 groups, neither among the latter 4 groups. Nevertheless, P2 and PR in the first 2 groups were significantly different from those in the latter 4 groups. In addition, both P2 and PR (not P1) increased significantly with age, systolic and diastolic blood pressure. P1, P2 and PR were not related to heart rate. Both P2 and PR were closely related to the age. PR also had a weak relationship with systolic blood pressure. Both P2 and PR of OA Doppler increase with age. Concern should be raised when P2 and PR are used to evaluate the hemodynamic change of OA.