Optical sensors for clinical ocular fluorometry

Abstract

Abstract The subject of Clinical Ocular Fluorometry is reviewed. The initial chapters deal with the basic principles of ocular flurometry and review the most recent efforts on harmonization and standardization of the various techniques available. The techniques and applications of ocular fluorometry using fluorescein as an exogenous tracer and the techniques and applications of ocular fluorometry looking at the natural fluorescence of ocular tissues are reviewed extensively, with special emphasis being given to their interpretation and present and potential clinical applications. Finally, new developments in optical sensor systems and future directions for clinical ocular fluorometry are analyzed. Recent developments in new optical sensors for fluorometry offer much promise. Topographic imaging vitreous fluorometry is expected to clarify the relationship between the alteration of the blood-retinal barrier and the development of retinal lesions. New sensor systems for noninvasive measurement of naturally occurring fluorophores in the cornea, lens and retina are expected to contribute to such clinically important areas as diabetic ocular complications, measurement of cataract formation and characterization of retinal degenerations. The transfer to routine clinical practice of ocular fluorometry, using fluorescein as the tracer, is considered to depend on simpler and easily available instrumentation together with the adoption of methodologies avoiding blood sampling and involving oral administration of fluorescine.