Retinal Microcirculation in Vivo.

A method is described which makes possible the direct microscopic observation of the living retinal microcirculation in the relatively intact globe of animals at magnifications up to ~xl,000. Observations have been made on acute preparations and repeated after intervals as long as six weeks. Observations have been documented in photomicrographs and cinephotographs. Under the conditions of the experiment the fiow of blood in the microvascular bed of the retina is characterized by its steadiness and high linear velocity. The capillaries appear to be akoays open to the fiow of erythrocytes.