The influence of the photoreceptor-RPE complex on the inner retina. An explanation for the beneficial effects of photocoagulation.

We have measured oxygen consumption in the various retinal layers and have found that the photoreceptor-retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) complex accounts for two thirds of total oxygen consumption. Hence, this complex substantially influences oxygen transport between the choroid and the inner retina. This finding has significant implications in explaining the beneficial effects of panretinal photocoagulation as well as retinal vasculature changes in outer retinal degenerations.