Laser Doppler instrument to investigate retinal neural activity-induced changes in optic nerve head blood flow

A fundus camera-based instrument to investigate increased retinal neuronal activity effect on optic nerve blood flow is described. It incorporates (a) near infrared fundus illumination and observation, (b) near infrared laser Doppler flowmeter (LDF), (c) pupil position monitoring and (d) delivery of visual stimuli. Two types of stimulation are currently used: diffuse heterochromatic and chromatic luminance flicker generated by light emitting diodes, and contrast reversal pattern displayed on a video monitor. Recordings of the changes in the LDF parameters (blood velocity, volume and flow) from the optic nerve in response to these stimuli illustrate the potential of the technique.