Integrated fixation and stimulus channel for adaptive optics ophthalmoscopy

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Biomedical Engineering
• Optical Imaging

Background:

• Adaptive optics (AO) ophthalmoscopes provide cellular-level retinal imaging.
• Precise fixation and light delivery are crucial for AO ophthalmoscopy due to high magnification and small field-of-view (FOV).

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a high-efficiency fixation and stimulus channel for AO ophthalmoscopy.
• To improve control over the retinal region being imaged and stimulated.

Main Methods:

• Designed a fixation and stimulus channel with extended working distance, wide steering range, and broad dioptric correction.
• Utilized stock components with a 3D-printed conic mount and machined parts.
• Delivered intense, near-monochromatic light flashes across the visible spectrum for stimulation.

Main Results:

• Demonstrated the channel's performance through AO optical coherence tomography (AO-OCT) structural and functional imaging.
• Showcased the system's ability to balance key design trade-offs.
• Validated the design with imaging examples on the Indiana AO-OCT system.

Conclusions:

• The developed fixation and stimulus channel enhances AO ophthalmoscopy capabilities.
• The design principles are adaptable to other AO ophthalmoscopic platforms.
• This innovation facilitates precise cellular-level imaging and functional studies of the retina.