Multi-functional adaptive optics retinal imaging
Inventors
Hammer, Daniel X. • Ferguson, R. Daniel • Mujat, Mircea • Patel, Anket H. • Iftimia, Nicusor V. • Burns, Stephen
Assignees
Publication Number
US-8696122-B2
Publication Date
2014-04-15
Expiration Date
2031-01-21
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Abstract
An optical apparatus includes a system of optical components capable of operating in a scanning laser ophthalmoscope (SLO) mode and an optical coherence tomography (OCT) mode. The system of optical components includes a first optical module for the SLO mode, a second optical module for the OCT mode, and a first scanning device. The first optical module for the SLO mode includes a first source adapted to provide a first imaging beam for the SLO mode and a first detection device configured to receive a first signal associated with a first image of a retina of an eye. The second optical module for the OCT mode includes a second source adapted to provide a second imaging beam for the OCT mode and a second detection device configured to receive a second signal associated with a second image of the retina. The first scanning device is configured to move the first imaging beam along the retina in the slow axis of the SLO mode to acquire the first image and (ii) to move the second imaging beam along the retina in the fast axis of the OCT mode to acquire the second image.
Core Innovation
The invention introduces a multi-functional retinal imaging system that combines adaptive optics (AO)-corrected Fourier domain optical coherence tomography (OCT) and scanning laser ophthalmoscopy (SLO) channels within a single, integrated platform. The system includes dedicated optical modules for SLO and OCT modes, each with its own imaging source and detection device, as well as a set of scanning devices that coordinate beam movement for optimal image acquisition in each mode. In addition to SLO and OCT, the system can include a line scanning ophthalmoscope (LSO) and retinal tracking (RT) components, achieving multiple imaging functions in a compact clinical device.
The core methodology allows the acquisition of SLO and OCT images by scanning imaging beams along different axes of the retina: the SLO mode utilizes a slow axis, while the OCT mode uses a fast axis. Adaptive optics are employed for real-time correction of ocular aberrations using components such as wavefront sensors and deformable mirrors, delivering high lateral and axial resolution. The system’s architecture supports options for spectrometer-based or swept source-based Fourier domain OCT and is designed for wide field imaging and high-fidelity aberration correction.
The problem addressed is the need to obtain complementary and high-resolution images of retinal structure and function, overcoming limitations such as restricted field of view and insufficient aberration correction present in individual SLO or OCT systems. By integrating AO-corrected SLO and OCT channels, the system is able to visualize both cross-sectional retinal layers and en-face images with improved contrast and resolution, supporting enhanced diagnostic and research capabilities in retinal imaging.
Claims Coverage
The patent contains multiple independent claims describing different inventive features centering on multi-modal retinal imaging apparatus and associated methods.
System of optical components for dual SLO and OCT modes with coordinated scanning
An optical apparatus comprising a system of optical components capable of operating in both scanning laser ophthalmoscope (SLO) mode and optical coherence tomography (OCT) mode. The system includes: - A first optical module for SLO mode comprising a source for a first imaging beam and a detection device for a first retinal image. - A second optical module for OCT mode comprising a source for a second imaging beam and a detection device for a second retinal image. - A first scanning device configured to move the first imaging beam along the retina in the slow axis for SLO and the second imaging beam in the fast axis for OCT to acquire the respective images. - Additional scanning devices for moving the beams along the other axes for SLO and OCT image acquisition.
Optical apparatus with adaptive optics correction module
An optical apparatus including: - A system of optical components for SLO and OCT modes with corresponding sources, detection devices, and scanning devices as above. - A third optical module configured to (i) detect optical distortion and (ii) correct the optical distortion in at least one of the first or second imaging beams being scanned on the eye.
Integration of line scanning ophthalmoscope (LSO) mode
An optical apparatus as above, further comprising a fourth optical module configured to operate in a line scanning ophthalmoscope (LSO) mode. This module includes: - A third source to provide a third imaging beam in a line focus configuration for the LSO mode. - Capability to scan and descan the third imaging beam and to direct returned light to a dedicated detection device.
Incorporation of retinal tracking module
An optical apparatus as above, further comprising a fifth optical module adapted to track a reference feature of the retina. The SLO optical module is adapted to control the position of the first imaging beam relative to the reference feature to correct for motion of the eye.
Integration of fluorescence imaging channel
An optical apparatus as above, further comprising a sixth optical module adapted to provide a fluorescence imaging channel.
Fourier domain OCT channel options
An optical apparatus as above, wherein the OCT mode can include a Fourier domain OCT channel configured to be either spectrometer-based or swept source-based.
Method of imaging the retina using dual-mode scanning
A method of imaging a retina comprising steps of: - Acquiring a SLO image by receiving first light on a detector and generating a corresponding electrical signal. - Acquiring an OCT image by receiving second light on a detector, combining it with a reference signal, and generating a corresponding electrical signal. - Scanning, via a device, the imaging beams along specific axes (slow for SLO, fast for OCT) to acquire respective images.
Optical apparatus with wide field imaging using spherical mirrors and deformable mirrors
An optical apparatus including: - At least two spherical mirrors (diameter >20 cm) positioned relative to the eye. - At least two deformable mirrors behind the spherical mirrors. - A beamsplitter, OCT and SLO optical modules located appropriately in the beam path. - Multiple scanning devices configured for SLO and OCT beam movement, with specified placements.
The inventive features encompass multi-modal retinal imaging with coordinated beam scanning for SLO and OCT modes, integration of adaptive optics correction, additional imaging modalities (LSO, fluorescence), retinal tracking, configurable OCT channel types, and unique optical layouts for wide field imaging.
Stated Advantages
Provides high lateral and axial resolution in retinal imaging by combining adaptive optics correction with OCT and SLO imaging channels.
Enables wide field imaging (greater than 30 degrees) that permits initial low resolution mapping followed by high resolution scanning of specific targets.
Corrects both lower and higher-order ocular aberrations in real-time using a dual-deformable mirror configuration, allowing AO corrections to be applied to a broader clinical population.
Offers a compact, portable instrument footprint suitable for clinical portability.
Facilitates simultaneous or sequential acquisition of SLO and OCT images and supports registration for alignment and averaging, improving image quality.
Maintains synchronization between adaptive optics correction and primary imaging hardware, preventing drift in correction across the imaging field.
Reduces system complexity by integrating line scanning ophthalmoscopy and retinal tracking into the same wide field optical design.
Documented Applications
Retinal layer quantification and mapping.
Photoreceptor quantification and mapping.
Retinal vasculature mapping.
Retinal flow measurement using FDOCT channel in Doppler mode.
Diagnosis and early detection of retinal diseases such as diabetic retinopathy (DR), age-related macular degeneration (AMD), retinitis pigmentosa (RP), and retinopathy of prematurity (ROP).
Drug development and determination of efficacy.
Vision studies.
Small animal imaging.
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