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Arterial pulse modulates steady-state ocular accommodation

Winn, B.; Pugh, J. R.; Gilmartin, B.; Owens, H.

Authors

B. Winn

J. R. Pugh

B. Gilmartin

Helen Owens Helen3.Owens@uwe.ac.uk
Senior Lecturer in Optometry



Abstract

Rapid and continuous fluctuations in ocular focus are known to occur when the eye views a stationary target. The advent of high-speed infra-red optometers has established that these microfluctuations of ocular accommodation have two dominant components: low frequency of < 0.6 Hz and high frequency between 1.0-2.3Hz. Although the retinal image blur associated with microfluctuations has the potential to guide and maintain optimum accommodation levels, there is no consensus with regard to the respective contribution of each of the dominant frequency components. Using a newly-designed measurement and recording system we show that, when viewing a stationary target located at 25cm, individuals exhibit little variation in the frequency of low frequency components but significant variation in high frequency components. Simultaneous measurements of ocular accommodation and systemic arterial pulse demonstrate that the variation in high frequency component is significantly correlated with arterial pulse frequency. Since control experiments indicate that the microfluctuations are derived from activity of the crystalline lens our observations could provide the basis for a non-invasive method of assessing the effects of arterial pulse on ciliary body/choroidal vasculature, the vitreous/lens interface and intraocular pressure. Further, it is feasible that under certain conditions an abnormal increase in the magnitude of arterial pulse may affect the aggregate nature of accommodative microfluctuations to an extent that disrupts the normal control processes maintaining optimum retinal contrast during sustained near vision. © 1990 Informa UK Ltd All rights reserved: reproduction in whole or part not permitted.

Journal Article Type Article
Acceptance Date Oct 1, 1990
Publication Date Jan 1, 1990
Journal Current Eye Research
Print ISSN 0271-3683
Electronic ISSN 1460-2202
Publisher Taylor & Francis
Peer Reviewed Peer Reviewed
Volume 9
Issue 10
Pages 971-975
DOI https://doi.org/10.3109/02713689009069933
Keywords Ocular accommodation, arterial pulse frequency, crystalline lens
Public URL https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/1110997