AO adapted to SD‐OCT

Abstract

Abstract Purpose Optical coherence tomography (OCT) has emerged as a leading technique in ophthalmic imaging due to its capability to non‐invasively resolve tissue morphology with high sensitivity and high axial resolution. Despite increases in axial resolution, monochromatic ocular aberrations limited the transverse resolution for retinal imaging to ~20 μm, which is too large for visualization of cellular structures. Adaptive optics (AO) may be used to correct such aberrations, leading to an improvement in image contrast and lateral resolution. Methods A successful combination of ultra‐high speed (120,000 depth scans/s), ultra‐high resolution optical coherence tomography with adaptive optics and an achromatizing lens for compensation of monochromatic and longitudinal chromatic ocular aberrations, respectively, allows for non‐invasive volumetric imaging in normal and pathologic human retinas at cellular resolution. Results The capability of this imaging system is demonstrated through preliminary studies by probing cellular intraretinal structures that have not been accessible so far with in vivo, non‐invasive, label‐free imaging techniques, including pigment epithelial cells, micro‐vasculature of the choriocapillaris, single nerve fibre bundles and collagenous plates of the lamina cribrosa in the optic nerve head. In addition, the volumetric extent of cone loss in two colour‐blinds can be quantified for the first time. Conclusion AO OCT might provide opportunities to enhance the understanding of retinal pathogenesis and early diagnosis of retinal diseases. Commercial interest