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Updated: Jun 5, 2026

In vivo Structural Assessments of Ocular Disease in Rodent Models using Optical Coherence Tomography
Published on: July 24, 2020
Biometric measurements inside the model eye using a two wavelengths Fourier domain low coherence interferometer
Sascha Birkner1, Jens Einighammer, Theo Oltrup
1Centre for Ophthalmology, University Hospital Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany. sascha.birkner@deos-tuebingen.de
Abstract:
We present a setup to measure biometric data of the eye using Fourier domain interferometry. The measuring depth of a Fourier domain system is basically limited owing to the spectral resolution. Combining two spectral domain interferometers with different wavelength ranges creates two measurement sections and allows for a simultaneous biometric measurement in terms of corneal thickness, anterior chamber depth, and axial length. The necessary offset between both sections in the combined setup was calibrated with a known reference object. The setup was tested by measuring a self-constructed model eye. All biometric data of the model eye can be detected simultaneously. This system has a precision of 13 μm (standard deviation) and a trueness of 46 μm. The signal-to-noise ratio was 98 dB for the anterior part and 76 dB for the posterior part. In contrast to time domain interferometry, this setup does not need any mechanically moving parts. Owing to the short time frame of the biometric measurement, potential eye movements should have no influence on the result. In addition to the fast measurement, this setup provides the possibility to adjust the laser power of both sections independently. This could help in the case of dense cataract.
