Light Evoked Retinal Activation is Metabolically Coupled to Increases in Human Retinal, Choroidal and Optic Nerve Head Blood Flow Measured Simultaneously by Laser Speckle Flowgraphy (.pdf)

Our purpose was to develop a light-induced metabolic stress test for use in disorders of the retina and optic nerve. The direct relationship between neural activation and blood flow is well known and forms the basis for quantitative, functional imaging of the brain. Neurovascular coupling to light stimuli has also been described for the retinal vasculature. Laser speckle flowgraphy provides a means to quantify light-induced changes in retinal, choroidal, and optic nerve head circulations simultaneously throughout the cardiac cycle.