Abstract

Every eye has its own totally unique pattern of blood vessels and the vascular system in human retina has a unique property as it is easily observed in its natural living state. The characteristic radiating pattern of retinal blood vessels in modern era plays a key role in biometrics (for identification) and medical diagnosis. Retinal blood vessel pattern is a highly stable pattern and one of the hardest biometric to forge. This property makes it one of the best biometric characteristics in high security environments. Thus, ocular fundus images can provide valuable information on pathological changes and it is also used in screening of individuals. Analysis and interpretation of fundus images not only has become a necessary and important diagnostic tool in ophthalmology but also in personal identification in biometric. Therefore, the present study was designed to provide normative database for retinal vascular patterns in the study population. The present study was conducted on 200 subjects. Digital photographs of fundus of eyes were taken with fundus camera and the retinal vasculature was studied and analyzed. Results showed that branching of retinal vasculature was more extensive in temporal half of both eyes. Also, higher branching in superotemporal quadrant of both eyes were seen. This is the first attempt in providing normative database for retinal vascular pattern. However, further studies are needed and this data may provide a reference for future research.

Key words: Biometrics, Eye, Nasal, Quadrant, Retina, Temporal