Lifetime Standard for Fluorescence Lifetime Imaging Ophthalmoscopy

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmic imaging
• Biomedical optics
• Fluorescence spectroscopy

Background:

• Fluorescence Lifetime Imaging Ophthalmoscopy (FLIO) is a developing technology for eye imaging.
• Standardization of FLIO instruments is crucial for reliable clinical data and multicenter trials.
• Existing methods for instrument calibration may be complex or lack flexibility.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a simple, reliable, and transferable fluorescence lifetime standard for FLIO instruments.
• To create a phantom eye model that accurately simulates ocular optics for calibration.
• To establish a method for routine instrument performance verification.

Main Methods:

• 3D-printing a "fundus piece" designed to fit a commercial phantom eye.
• Incorporating a chamber within the fundus piece to hold a standard fluorophore solution.
• Testing the developed phantom eye standard with multiple FLIO devices, excitation lasers, and fluorophores.

Main Results:

• A photopolymerizable resin was identified for the fundus piece, yielding a low fluorescence background.
• The developed standard demonstrated consistent results across different FLIOs, within 5% of published average lifetimes.
• The phantom eye standard proved effective with various excitation lasers and standard fluorophores.

Conclusions:

• The 3D-printed phantom eye offers a straightforward and flexible method for standardizing FLIO instruments.
• This approach facilitates instrument verification, troubleshooting, and intercomparison of data.
• The developed standard supports the clinical translation and multicenter application of FLIO technology.