TOPICAL MEASUREMENT OF FUNDUS PULSATIONS

An instrument suitable for fundus pulsation measurements at preselecte d points of the retina is developed. Fundus pulsations are measured wi th a laser interferometer using a single-mode laser diode. Part of the laser light is reflected from the front side of the cornea and part o f it is reflected from the retina. The interferences produced by the t wo remitted waves are detected with a linear CCD array. Evaluation of the interferogram yields the time course of the fundus pulsations. Thi s laser interferometer is coupled to a fundus camera. The setup enable s real-time inspection of the laser spot on the fundus. Measurements o n seven healthy young subjects are presented. Fundus pulsations in the macular region are significantly smaller than those in the optical di sk, but significantly larger than those in peripheral regions of the r etina. The association between our results and the subretinal vasculat ure is discussed and possible future applications of our method are pr esented.