[An apparatus using laser speckle phenomenon for noninvasive 2-dimensional analysis of microcirculation in the optic nerve head].

A new instrument using the laser speckle phenomenon for noninvasive 2-dimensional analysis of the microcirculation in the optic nerve head (ONH) was developed. The ONH was illuminated with a diode laser spot and its image speckle was detected by an area array sensor. The difference between a pair of output data for successive scannings of the image speckles at the sensor plane was calculated and integrated for each pixel to obtain the average difference (AD), which is a quantitative index of blood speed. The results were displayed in color graphics showing the 2-dimensional variation of the AD level in the area of interest. The AD had good correlation with the speed of ground glass in a range between 0 and 8 mm/sec. Using this instrument, the effect of intraocular pressure (IOP) on the circulation in the area of the rabbit ONH free from surface vessels was studied. The coefficient of reproducibility was 4.7% when measured in this area twice at 5-minute intervals. A stepwise reduction in the ocular perfusion pressure (OPP) was introduced by elevating the IOP manometrically. The AD was little affected by OPP change when OPP was above 40 mmHg, but with the OPP below 40 mmHg, a linear correlation was found between the AD and OPP.