Retinal vessel analysis:flicker reproducibility, methodological standardisations and practical limitations

Abstract

The Retinal Vessel Analyser (RVA) is a commercially available ophthalmoscopic instrument capable of acquiring vessel diameter fluctuations in real time and in high temporal resolution. Visual stimulation by means of flickering light is a unique exploration tool of neurovascular coupling in the human retina. Vessel reactivity as mediated by local vascular endothelial vasodilators and vasoconstrictors can be assessed non-invasively, in vivo. In brief, the work in this thesis • deals with interobserver and intraobserver reproducibility of the flicker responses in healthy volunteers • explains the superiority of individually analysed reactivity parameters over vendorgenerated output • links in static retinal measures with dynamic ones • highlights practical limitations in the use of the RVA that may undermine its clinical usefulness • provides recommendations for standardising measurements in terms of vessel location and vessel segment length and • presents three case reports of essential hypertensives in a -year follow-up. Strict standardisation of measurement procedures is a necessity when utilising the RVA system. Agreement between research groups on implemented protocols needs to be met, before it could be considered a clinically useful tool in detecting or predicting microvascular dysfunction.

Divisions: College of Health & Life Sciences > School of Optometry > Optometry
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Institution: Aston University
Uncontrolled Keywords: Cardiovascular Disease,Autoregulation,Blood Pressure,Endothelial Function
Last Modified: 08 Dec 2023 08:48
Date Deposited: 03 Apr 2014 13:35
Completed Date: 2014-03-12
Authors: Kalitzeos, Angelos

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