Dynamic Fractal Flickering as a Tool in Research of Non-Linear Dynamics of the Evoked Activity of a Visual System and the Possible Basis for New Diagnostics and Treatment of Neurodegenerative Diseases of the Retina and Brain

This paper presents the author’s scientific hypothesis on the effect of fractal flickering, which exhibits scale invariance with time, on the evoked responses of the retina [electroretinogram (ERG)] and visual cortex [visual-evoked cortical potentials (VEP)] in norm and neurodegenerative disorders. A new approach for ERG and VEP studies is proposed. In the proposed approach, standard stimuli are presented to patients as these patients adapt to the flickering background with specific chaotic interval variabilities between flashes (dynamic light fractal). We hypothesized that this approach could be applied to facilitate adaptation to non-linear flickering with fractal dimensions in electrophysiological diagnostics. This approach could be considered as a new strategy by which neuronal plasticity is affected. In theory, this method can be used to improve the condition of patients with diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma and severe neurodegenerative diseases, such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases.