Imaging vascular dynamics in human retina using full-field swept-source optical coherence tomography (Conference Presentation)

We demonstrate a new non-invasive method to assess the functional condition of the retinal vascular system. Phase-sensitive full-field swept-source optical coherence tomography (PhS-FF-SS-OCT) is used to investigate retinal vascular dynamics at unprecedented temporal resolution. Motion of retinal tissue, that is induced by expansion of the vessels therein, is measured with an accuracy of about 10 nm. The pulse shape of arterial and venous pulsation, their temporal delay as well as the frequency dependent pulse propagation through the capillary bed are determined. For the first time, imaging speed and motion sensitivity are sufficient for a direct measurement of pulse waves propagating with more than 600 mm/s in retinal vessels of a healthy young subject.