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Flicker‐induced retinal vasodilataion ‐ what does a reduced response mean?
Author(s) -
SCHMETTERER L
Publication year - 2008
Publication title -
acta ophthalmologica
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.534
H-Index - 87
eISSN - 1755-3768
pISSN - 1755-375X
DOI - 10.1111/j.1755-3768.2008.5416.x-i1
Subject(s) - flicker , retinal , flicker fusion threshold , vasodilation , medicine , ophthalmology , retina , retinopathy , glaucoma , neuroscience , optometry , endocrinology , biology , diabetes mellitus , computer science , operating system
Purpose In the recent years much interest has been directed towards flicker‐induced vasodilatation. Various studies were done showing reduced flicker responses in diseases such as diabetic retinopathy or glaucoma. The basis for this reduced flicker responses is, however, largely unclear. Methods Papers published on this topic in the last years were reviewed. Specific emphasis was directed towards publications that deal with potential mechanisms underlying flicker‐induced vasodilatation. Results There is evidence from animal and human studies that flicker‐induced vasodilatation is at least partially dependent on nitric oxide. In addition, there is evidence to assume that flicker induces changes in the retinal glucose metabolism and the ratio of cytosolic NADH/NAD+ are involved. Conclusion Flicker‐induced retinal vasodilatation appears to be partially endothelium‐dependent. It is, however, likely that other factors are also involved Further research is required to characterize the mechanisms underlying flicker‐induced vasodilatation in more detail. From a clinical point of view studies are needed to test the hypothesis that reduced retinal flicker responses are related to the prevalence, incidence and progression of ocular vascular disease.