Adaptive optics line scanning ophthalmoscope
Inventors
Hammer, Daniel X. • Ferguson, R. Daniel • Mujat, Mircea • Iftimia, Nicusor V.
Assignees
Publication Number
US-8201943-B2
Publication Date
2012-06-19
Expiration Date
2030-01-15
Interested in licensing this patent?
MTEC can help explore whether this patent might be available for licensing for your application.
Abstract
A first optical module scans a portion of an eye with a line of light, descans reflected light from the scanned portion of the eye and confocally provides output light in a line focus configuration. A detection device detects the output light and images the portion of the eye. A second optical module detects an optical distortion and corrects the optical distortion in the line of light scanned on the portion of the eye.
Core Innovation
The invention integrates adaptive optics (AO) into a line scanning ophthalmoscope (LSO) to provide a compact, simplified instrument capable of high-resolution retinal imaging. This AO-LSO system is designed with a first optical module that scans a portion of the eye with a line of light, descan reflected light from the scanned region, and confocally provides output light in a line focus configuration to a detection device. The system also incorporates a second optical module that detects optical distortion and corrects it in the line of light scanned on the eye, improving image quality and resolution.
This invention addresses critical issues in clinical adoption of adaptive optics systems by reducing the cost and complexity typically associated with existing AO solutions, which demand high-cost deformable mirrors and significant expertise for setup and operation. By combining AO correction with line scanning technology and simplified optics, the AO-LSO system makes high-resolution retinal imaging more accessible for routine use by clinicians and researchers.
The AO-LSO can achieve lateral resolution sufficient for visualizing critical retinal cells and structures, including photoreceptors, capillaries, nerve fiber bundles, and lesions in diseased eyes. The system may use hardware and software components such as deformable mirrors, linear detectors, and wavefront sensors, as well as software algorithms for automated image registration, cone counting, and montage stitching. This integration enables efficient, high-quality imaging, early disease detection, and enhanced diagnostic capabilities.
Claims Coverage
The patent contains several independent claims covering five main inventive features related to apparatus and methods for retinal imaging using adaptive optics with a line scanning approach.
Apparatus for retinal imaging with adaptive optics and line scanning
An apparatus includes: - A source of optical radiation. - A line generator that forms the optical radiation into a line of light. - A first optical module configured to scan a portion of an eye with the line of light, descan reflected light from the scanned portion, and confocally provide output light in a line focus configuration. - A detection device configured to detect the output light and image the portion of the eye. - A second optical module configured to detect optical distortion and correct that distortion in the line of light scanned on the portion of the eye.
Method for imaging a portion of an eye using line of light and adaptive optics correction
A method comprising: 1. Forming optical radiation into a line of light. 2. Scanning a portion of the eye with the line of light. 3. Descanning reflected light from the scanned portion. 4. Confocally providing output light in a line focus configuration to a detector. 5. Imaging, with the detector, the portion of the eye from the output light. 6. Detecting an optical distortion and correcting the optical distortion in the line of light scanned on the portion of the eye.
Method for imaging a portion of an eye by detecting and correcting optical distortion
A method comprising: - Forming optical radiation into a line of light. - Imaging a portion of an eye with the line of light. - Detecting an optical distortion in an image of the portion of the eye. - Correcting the optical distortion in the line of light that images the portion of the eye.
Apparatus with cylindrical lens, scanner, linear array detector, and adaptive optics
An apparatus includes: - A source of optical radiation. - A cylindrical lens to form a line of light. - An optical system with a scanner and at least one focusing element, where the scanner scans a portion of the eye with the line of light and descans reflected light, and the system provides output light in a line focus configuration. - A linear array detector to detect output light and image the portion of the eye. - A wavefront sensor to detect optical distortion and a wavefront compensator to correct the distortion in the line of light scanned on the portion of the eye.
The inventive features cover specific apparatus and methods for retinal imaging that combine a line scanning ophthalmoscope with adaptive optics modules for detecting and correcting optical distortions, enabling enhanced resolution and image quality in retinal diagnostics.
Stated Advantages
The AO-LSO system offers simplified optics, high-speed scanning, and a smaller footprint compared to traditional research AOSLO systems.
It provides lateral resolution sufficient to visualize critical retinal cells and structures, including photoreceptors, fine capillaries, nerve fiber bundles, and lesions.
The integrated system enables efficient and rapid image acquisition, early disease screening and detection, and enhanced diagnostic yield.
It reduces hardware complexity by eliminating the need for high-speed scanners and associated mirror or lens relays.
Uses wavefront sensorless algorithms to further reduce system complexity and production cost by removing the need for a separate wavefront sensor.
Automated analysis software enables streamlined and rapid information collection, automated registration, cone counting, and montage generation for comprehensive retinal mapping.
Enhanced detail in mapping and visualization of retinal structures improves understanding of disease processes and supports improved treatment modalities.
Capabilities allow for rapid transition of high resolution AO instrumentation to routine clinical settings.
The safety of the line scanning approach is improved, as it focuses in one dimension and is eye safe even at higher power levels.
Documented Applications
Visualization of critical retinal structures such as photoreceptors, fine capillaries, nerve fiber bundles, drusen, new vessel growth, and lesions in diseased eyes.
Early detection, diagnosis, and progression tracking of retinal diseases.
Guiding and evaluating therapies, new drug discovery, and the evaluation of therapeutic effectiveness.
Mapping and visualizing retinal structures in unprecedented detail for improved understanding of disease processes.
Retinal hemodynamics studies, including tracking blood cell flow in retinal capillaries.
Automated cone counting for assessment of photoreceptor density and vision studies.
Automated panoramic montaging and mapping of the entire macular region.
Collection of disease-customized reports with specific metrics such as photoreceptor density maps, size and coverage of macular drusen, and vessel density in lesions.
Interested in licensing this patent?