Vessels of the living eye

Description

This image originally appeared as part of Northwestern's Scientific Images Contest. The contest and subsequent exhibitions are organized by Science in Society, the university's research center for science education and public engagement. Further information and opportunities to participate are available on their website. Prints and canvas editions of these Northwestern research images can also be purchased online (with the small net profit going to science education and outreach programming in the Chicago area).

Abstract

This image shows the blood vessels of the retina. The largest vessels (in red) lie on the surface of the retina while much smaller vessels (in green) lie beneath the surface, forming a dense mesh. This branching network of vessels, like the roots of a tree, continuously supplies the retina with necessary oxygen and nutrients. Scientists study these vessels because diseases like diabetes damage the small vessels. This can eventually lead to difficulties seeing or even complete blindness. This picture was taken of a living mouses eye using a microscope custom-built by image creator Soetikno. With this new microscope, doctors can examine vessel damage earlier, and give treatments to prevent blindness.

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