Abstract
Purpose :
FLIO is a new imaging modality that provides insight into metabolic changes in the eye, aiding in the early detection and potential treatment of eye diseases. A second-generation FLIO device was recently introduced, and our understanding of how both devices correlate is limited. Hence, we conducted this comparative study between the first- and second-generation prototype FLIO devices to bridge the knowledge gap.
Methods :
This study includes 60 patients: 20 healthy probands, 20 patients with macular telangiectasia type 2 (MacTel), and 20 patients with age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Patients were examined at the Moran Eye Center between June 2022 and November 2023. First- and second-generation Heidelberg Engineering prototype FLIO cameras were used to obtain FLIO lifetimes in short (SSC, 498-560 nm) and long (LSC, 560-720 nm) spectral wavelength channels of a central 30-degree retina field. Data were analyzed utilizing weighted least-square fitting methods as described in previous studies. Differences were analyzed when using different SPCImage software versions (First-generation: 4.4.2, second generation 8.1) as well as the same software version for both measurements (4.4.2).
Results :
FLIO lifetimes showed significantly longer means on the second generation FLIO, while patterns and distributions remained the same when analyzed identically. When analyzing data from both devices with the same software version, these differences remained significant. The full ETDRS grid showed longer FLIO lifetimes on the second generation FLIO device (SSC: 324 ± 43 ps in the first-versus 411 ± 60 ps in the second generation, p<0.05; LSC: 354 ± 76 ps in the first versus 433 ± 57 ps in the second generation, p<0.01).
Conclusions :
It is important to systematically investigate differences between different generations of retinal imaging devices to account for changes in ongoing studies. This study highlights differences between the first- and second-generation device. This knowledge will be helpful for all future studies utilizing FLIO.
This abstract was presented at the 2024 ARVO Annual Meeting, held in Seattle, WA, May 5-9, 2024.