Zusammenfassung
We present a novel non-invasive and non-contact system for reflex-free retinal
imaging and dynamic retinal vessel analysis in the rat. Theoretical analysis was
performed prior to development of the new optical design, taking into account the
optical properties of the rat eye and its specific illumination and imaging
requirements. A novel optical model of the rat eye was developed for use with
standard optical design software, facilitating both sequential and non-sequential
modes. A retinal camera for the rat was constructed using standard optical and
mechanical components. The addition of a customized illumination unit and
existing standard software enabled dynamic vessel analysis. Seven-minute in-vivo
vessel diameter recordings performed on 9 Brown-Norway rats showed stable
readings. On average, the coefficient of variation was (1.1 +/- 0.19) \% for the
arteries and (0.6 +/- 0.08) \% for the veins. The slope of the linear regression
analysis was (0.56 +/- 0.26) \% for the arteries and (0.15 +/- 0.27) \% for the
veins. In conclusion, the device can be used in basic studies of retinal vessel
behavior.
Nutzer