Handheld simultaneous scanning laser ophthalmoscopy and optical coherence tomography system

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Medical Imaging
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Scanning laser ophthalmoscopy (SLO) and optical coherence tomography (OCT) are crucial for diagnosing retinal diseases.
• Existing SLO-OCT systems are typically large, bench-top devices, limiting their clinical application.
• There is a need for portable, handheld SLO-OCT systems for broader accessibility.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design and fabricate the first handheld SLO/spectral domain OCT probe.
• To evaluate the simultaneous image acquisition capabilities and image quality of the handheld device.
• To demonstrate motion correction for improved retinal volume and SLO imaging.

Main Methods:

• Simultaneous acquisition of SLO and spectral domain OCT images using a novel handheld probe.
• Utilizing a combined power output within ANSI safety limits.
• Implementing automated post-processing algorithms for motion estimation and artifact correction.
• Assessing image resolution, including parafoveal cone visualization without adaptive optics.

Main Results:

• Successful simultaneous acquisition of high signal-to-noise ratio SLO and OCT images.
• Demonstrated effective correction of inter- and intra-frame motion artifacts in both SLO and OCT data.
• Achieved artifact-free reconstructed SLO images and OCT volumes.
• Resolved parafoveal cones at 11° eccentricity using SLO, indicating high resolution.

Conclusions:

• The developed handheld SLO/OCT probe represents a significant advancement in retinal imaging technology.
• The system provides high-quality, motion-corrected retinal imaging, enhancing diagnostic capabilities.
• This portable device holds promise for improved ophthalmic examinations, particularly in challenging patient populations like young children or those with poor fixation.