Effect of High-Dose Prednisolone (Solu Dacortin®) Treatment on Choroidal and Optic Nerve Head Blood Flow in Humans

Inclusion Criteria: * Men and women aged between 19 and 65 years, nonsmokers * Group A: Patients with Graves´ Ophthalmopathy (moderate to severe and active ophthalmopathy; i.e. clinical activity score \>3 or =3) suitable for high-dose treatment with prednisolone as assessed by an independent ophthalmologist * Group B: Patients with acute onset of optic neuritis suitable for high-dose treatment with prednisolone suitable for high-dose treatment with prednisolone as assessed by the ophthalmologist * Normal laboratory values unless the investigator considers an abnormality to be clinically irrelevant and not to interfere with prednisolone treatment (normal liver blood parameter and hepatitis serology). * Ametropy of less than 3 dpt. Exclusion Criteria: * Regular use of medication which could interfere with the study objectives, especially treatment with vasoactive drugs * Active peptic ulcer or insulin dependent diabetes mellitus * Hepatitis or elevated hepatic blood parameters * Abuse of alcoholic beverages, participation in a clinical trial in the 3 weeks preceding the study * Symptoms of a clinically relevant illness in the 3 weeks before the first study day * Blood donation during the previous 3 weeks * Pregnancy