Current Neuro-Ophthalmology Research Projects

The Photo-Blink Reflex
Quantitation of Facial Responses to Light
Real-Time 3D Facial Tracking
Corneal Blink Reflex – C0₂
Laser Speckle Flowgraphy
Visual Function Testing Using Smartphones

The Photo-Blink Reflex

We are studying the dynamics of the photic blink reflex to objectively measure:

Afferent light sensitivity in the retina and trigeminal network
Efferent eyelid dysfunction in different disorders

Protects the eye after a bright flash^1-4

References

Mukuno K et al.. Jpn J Ophthalmol. 27(1):261-70. 1983.
Malin JP. Elektroenzephalogr Elektromyogr Verwandte Geb. Sep;13(3):101-7. German. 1982.
Yasuhara M, Naito H.. Int J Neurosci. Jul;17(1):23-31. 1982.
Ozaki T.. Nippon Seirigaku Zasshi. 38(1):15-6. Japanese. 1976.
Noseda R, Kainz V, Jakubowski M, Gooley JJ, Saper CB, Digre K, Burstein R. A neural mechanism for exacerbation of headache by light. Nat Neurosci. Feb;13(2):239-45. 2010

Quantitation of Facial Responses to Light

Facial Responses to Light Are Exaggerated in Light Sensitive Patients

Real-Time 3D Facial Tracking

Automated pupil, eyelid and facial feature responses to light from an accessorized iPad.

Corneal Blink Reflex – C0₂

Figure 2. Illustrations of time- displacement pro les of upper lid movement during and after a stimulated blink. (A) Baseline blink re ex time-displacement pro le. (B) Blink re ex time-displacement pro le after active play. Latency is increased. Differential latency is decreased. Log of number of oscillations is less. (C) Blink re ex time- displacement pro le after a head impact causing a concussive event. Latency is decreased. Differential latency is increased. Log of number of oscillations is increased.

Laser Speckle Flowgraphy

Introduction to Laser Speckle Flowgraphy (LSFG)

Blood Flow Quantified Simultaneously in the Retina, Optic Nerve and Choroid

This motion picture demonstrates the blood flow change in retinal vessels, tissue of optic nerve head and the choroid of human eye. You note the blood flow changes periodically being synchronized with the heart beats. From this time-varying map you may realize the LSFG’s potential to become a useful tool, not only for diagnoses of various eye diseases, but also for studying the functions of cardiovascular system.