Cilioretinal arteries. A study based on review of stereo fundus photographs and fluorescein angiographic findings.

The incidence of cilioretinal arteries in 2,000 eyes of 1,000 consecutive patients was determined by review of stereo color fundus photographs and fluorescein angiographs. One or more cilioretinal arteries were present in 49.5% of all patients or in 32.1% of the eyes. The arteries occurred bilaterally in 14.6% and contributed to some portion of the macular circulation in 18.7% of the patients. A great deal of variability of size, number, and distribution of cilioretinal vessels was observed. Prior studies that were based on direct visualization of the fundus have reported cilioretinal arteries in 7% to 29.6% of patients examined. Careful review of stereo fundus photographs and early phase fluorescein angiographs aided in the observation of these vessels that might otherwise have been unrecognized. We believe the method of review accounts for the high incidence of cilioretinal arteries in our series.