Abstract

The technique of phosphorescence quenching by O₂ (PQ) allows the non-invasive measurement of the partial pressure of oxygen in blood (${\text{pO}}_{\text{2}}{}^{\text{blood}}$). This technique and its application to the investigation of the ${\text{pO}}_{\text{2}}{}^{\text{blood}}$ in the microvasculature of the retina and optic nerve head (ONH) of two animal species is described. Using the imaging mode of PQ, 2-dimensional ${\text{pO}}_{\text{2}}{}^{\text{blood}}$ maps were obtained to investigate the response of the ${\text{pO}}_{\text{2}}{}^{\text{blood}}$ to various physiological stimuli in miniature pigs and the effect of experimental glaucoma in monkeys. Applied in its focal mode, PQ allows measurements of the ${\text{pO}}_{\text{2}}{}^{\text{blood}}$ with a time resolution of 1 second and is adequate to investigate the ${\text{pO}}_{\text{2}}{}^{\text{blood}}$ time course during light stimulation.

© 2001 OSA/SPIE