Long working distance OCT with a compact 2f retinal scanning configuration for pediatric imaging

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Biomedical Engineering
• Medical Imaging

Background:

• Pediatric retinal imaging is challenging due to children's limited attention spans and fear of equipment.
• Traditional optical coherence tomography (OCT) systems often require close proximity, exacerbating these issues.
• A need exists for non-intrusive OCT systems suitable for pediatric populations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and test a prototype swept-source OCT system designed for improved pediatric retinal imaging.
• To achieve a long working distance to minimize patient discomfort and improve cooperation.
• To evaluate the system's performance in both pediatric and adult subjects.

Main Methods:

• A compact 2f retinal scanning configuration was employed to reduce optical elements and system length.
• A long working distance of 350 mm was achieved.
• The prototype system was tested on pediatric and adult participants to assess its efficacy.

Main Results:

• The prototype system successfully demonstrated retinal imaging capabilities with a long working distance.
• The compact design and extended working distance facilitate easier patient interaction.
• Feasibility was confirmed across both pediatric and adult age groups.

Conclusions:

• The developed swept-source OCT system with a long working distance is a promising tool for pediatric retinal imaging.
• This approach can potentially reduce anxiety and improve the quality of eye examinations in young children.
• Further development could enhance accessibility to advanced retinal imaging for pediatric patients.