Nehhaa Kathir
BME MS Thesis Defense Presentation
Date: 2025-04-07
Time: 1PM - 2:30PM
Location / Meeting Link: Georgia Tech Library Dissertation Defense Room: Price Gilbert 4222 / Zoom room: https://zoom.us/j/95183831994

Committee Members:
Dr. Machelle Pardue (Advisor); Dr. Ming-Fai Fong; Dr. David Myers; Dr. Omer Inan


Title: Optimization and Evaluation of Wearable ERG Prototype Designs

Abstract:
The field of electrophysiological monitoring has seen significant advances with the development of wearable devices designed for continuous health monitoring. This thesis focuses on the optimization and evaluation of wearable electroretinography (ERG) prototypes, aimed at improving the reliability and accuracy of oscillatory potential (OP) recordings for diabetic retinopathy assessment. The wearable ERG device integrates electrodes mounted on a lightweight frame designed for prolonged use, offering enhanced comfort and mobility compared to traditional static systems. Through iterative design and optimization, key factors such as consistency, signal-to-noise ratio, and repeatability were assessed. Experimental evaluations comparing the wearable ERG prototype to the gold-standard ERG method demonstrated comparable a-wave amplitudes and OP1 implicit times, indicating a potential for more reliable and consistent retinal measurements. The outcomes of this research contribute to the development of wearable, user-friendly devices that can transform the monitoring and diagnosis of retinal diseases, with particular relevance to diabetic retinopathy.