Handheld MEMS-based Optical Coherence Tomography in Anterior and Posterior Segment Diagnosis

Abstract

Purpose: To demonstrate the feasibility of a novel hand held OCT micro-optics, and microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) scanner in ocular condition diagnosis for both specialized ophthalmic diagnosis and primary care screening.

Methods: A MEMS based OCT system is used to acquire images of the retina and of the cornea in normal and in patients with patholgies including diabetic and non diabetic retinal edema as well as post LASIK cornea. The images and their diagnostic value are compared to those obtained by that of a commercial Fourier domain OCT system routinely used in the same clinic.

Results: The major features that are useful for reaching a diagnosis and guiding therapeutic management are identified by both systems for both anterior and posterior segment conditions. These features include cystic edema and vitreomacular traction in patients with diabetes or uveitis, as well as characteristics of the corneal flap post LASIK.

Conclusions: We have demonstrated the ability of our handheld MEMS-based OCT system to be used as an effective diagnostic tool for both the anterior and posterior segment. This opens the possibility of effective diagnosis and screening in the ophthalmic specialty clinic as well as the primary care setting.

Keywords: 585 macula/fovea • 682 refractive surgery: other technologies • 499 diabetic retinopathy