Abstract
Abstract: :
Purpose:To evaluate the OCT Ophthalmoscope as a clinical tool for comprehensive imaging of the human fovea and optic nerve. Methods:The OCT Ophthalmoscope (University of Kent, Canterbury, UK and Ophthalmic Technologies, Toronto, Canada) is a scanning laser ophthalmoscope which is capable of acquiring high-resolution OCT slices along with confocal fundus images. Utilizing an 850nm superluminescent diode source the system divides the reflected signal and generates simultaneous corresponding confocal and coronal (c-scan) OCT images. Since only one source is used the subject receives a minimal laser exposure (∼300 microwatts) and perfect point-to-point correspondence is assured. Sequential acquisition of multiple OCT c-scans at gradually increasing depths enables three-dimensional reconstructions which can be actively resampled and studied. Results:A series of normal volunteers and patients with a variety of retinal pathologies were scanned. Images were analyzed by comparing them to fundus photographs, fluorescein angiograms and conventional b-scan OCT slices. In its current configuration, the scan rate is 1.5 hertz which was found to allow significant motion artifacts and limit the ability to produce three-dimensional reconstructions of some of the subjects Conclusion:OCT Ophthalmoscopy is a novel concept for retinal evaluation which gives the clinician access to retinal surface detail along corresponding depth information. Preliminary clinical studies suggest that it will facilitate examination of fundus structures and lesions. Continued refinement of the technique with increased scan rate will allow for more accurate three-dimensional imaging of the retina.
Keywords: 432 imaging methods (CT, FA, ICG, MRI, OCT, RTA, SLO, ultrasound) • 430 imaging/image analysis: clinical • 554 retina