Abstract
Purpose: :
To demonstrate the capability of spectral optical coherence tomography (SOCT) device to acquire in real-time in images of the retina of the human eye in-vivo. To demonstrate that imaging with reduced speckle contrast allows for clear discrimination of various cellular layers, such as Ganglion Cell Layer, Inner Plexiform Layer or Fibers of Henle.
Methods: :
The specialized measurement protocols that base on recently introduced smart scanning protocols were used to acquire data followed by advanced data-processing techniques. All data presented in this contribution were obtained with the prototype high-resolution, high-speed SOCT system acquiring 120 000 ascans/s, constructed at the Nicolaus Copernicus University, Poland. The setup allows for acquisition and display of 4 speckle free images of the retina per second (1000 lines per image).
Results: :
In-vivo real-time, ultrahigh resolution SOCT imaging with speckle contrast reduction has been performed in 10 eyes of 5 healthy volunteers. In all cases the visibility of retinal details has been improved as compared to standard visualization when speckle reduction technique was used. Images of the retina from macular region as well as from the optic disk area are presented. Speckle free panoramic view of the retina is presented.
Conclusions: :
Using SOCT with real-time speckle reduction we were able to visualize human retina with unprecedented resolution revealing fine morphological structures hardly visible is standard SOCT imaging. We believe that this novel technology can provide a better understanding of retinal morphology as well as facilitate aiming OCT system at diagnostically important points in retinal diseases.
Keywords: retina • anatomy • image processing