Análise fractal da vascularização da retina de cães com visão normal

Abstract

In this work we study the applicability of the fractal dimension as a parameter for description of the patterns of the retinal vessels in ophtalmically normal dogs. The following strategy was adopted: (i) development of an experimental procedure which permits obtaining digitalized photographs, with a contrast between the vessels and the eyes fundus sufficient for further numerical analysis; (ii) development of software for segmentation of the retinal vessels images and calculating the box-counting and radius of gyration fractal dimensions, and (iii) establishment of a standard curve for the fractal dimensions of the segmented vessels. The radius of gyration method was found to be more suitable for description of the segmented vessels then box-counting, and the properties of the corresponding normal curve were established. This methodology may prove useful for distinguishing between normal and pathological states of retinal vascularisation.