Optoacoustic imaging for optimization of laser cyclophotocoagulation

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Biomedical Imaging
• Medical Physics

Background:

• The ciliary body region is crucial for glaucoma treatment.
• Accurate imaging of ocular tissues is essential for therapeutic interventions.
• Current imaging modalities have limitations in visualizing structures beneath the sclera.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the utility of optoacoustic imaging for ophthalmic applications.
• To assess the feasibility of imaging the ciliary body region in vitro.
• To explore real-time monitoring of tissue changes during therapeutic procedures like cyclophotocoagulation.

Main Methods:

• Optoacoustic imaging was employed on ex vivo porcine and rabbit eyes.
• Tissue structures were differentiated up to a depth exceeding 1.5 mm.
• Two-dimensional tomographic images were generated using optoacoustic signals in B-scan mode.

Main Results:

• Optoacoustic imaging successfully differentiated various tissue structures beneath the sclera.
• High-resolution B-scan images of the ciliary body region were obtained.
• Real-time measurement of changes during the coagulation process was achieved.

Conclusions:

• Optoacoustic imaging is a promising technique for ophthalmic imaging, particularly for the ciliary body.
• The technology enables visualization of subsurface ocular tissues relevant to glaucoma.
• Real-time monitoring capabilities support the development of advanced control mechanisms for cyclophotocoagulation, enhancing glaucoma therapy.