Abstract
Purpose: :
We have recently introduced a technique for the measurement of retinal blood flow using bi-directional Fourier domain Doppler OCT. We have carefully validated this system by showing that blood flow is preserved at vessel bifurcations when measured with our system.
Methods: :
In the present study we set out to investigate the response of retinal blood flow to 100% oxygen breathing. This was done in a group of 10 healthy subjects. Retinal blood velocities were measured on one day using bi-directional Laser Doppler Velocimetry (LDV). On another study day retinal blood velocities were measured using bi-directional Fourier domain Doppler OCT. On both days retinal vessel diameters were measured using the Imedos Retinal Vessel Analyzer.
Results: :
100% oxygen breathing caused a highly significant decrease in blood velocities, vessel diameters and blood flow (p < 0.01 each). The data obtained on the 2 study days showed a high degree of correlation (p > 0.05 each), and the amount of blood flow reduction was in good agreement between the two methods employed.
Conclusions: :
Our data confirm our previous findings that bi-directional Fourier domain Doppler OCT is a valid method for assessing retinal blood flow. The results we obtained with this technique are in good agreement with previously published data using other techniques.
Keywords: blood supply • imaging methods (CT, FA, ICG, MRI, OCT, RTA, SLO, ultrasound) • image processing