Retinal Imaging Platform With Transscleral Illumination and OCT Depth Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current retinal imaging technologies struggle to provide high-resolution, cellular-level images of the retina with a large field of view and in-depth cross-sectional views, lacking the ability to correct ocular aberrations and accurately locate the depth of imaging within multi-layered retina tissue.
Innovation Solution
An ophthalmic illumination system combining transscleral oblique illumination with optical coherence tomography (OCT) to achieve cellular-level high-resolution imaging, using a transscleral light-delivering system and an OCT system with a focus system that adjusts the imaging depth based on OCT depth-related signals for precise localization of imaging planes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If conventional transpupillary illumination is used, then the system structure is simple, but the contrast of transparent retinal cells is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional illumination approach by using transscleral illumination (light entering through the sclera) instead of transpupillary illumination (light entering through the pupil). This inversion allows oblique illumination of the retina at angles that enhance phase contrast of transparent cells while avoiding the optical Stiles-Crawford effect that limits contrast in conventional approaches
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces adaptive optics as an intermediary component between the light source and the retina. The adaptive optics system corrects ocular aberrations that would otherwise degrade image quality, enabling high-contrast imaging of transparent retinal cells through the complex ocular media
2Measurement precision
If adaptive optics with flood illumination is used, then cellular-level resolution is achieved, but the field of view is very small
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the illumination function into multiple independently controllable light-emitting areas arranged in a matrix. This segmentation allows different regions to be illuminated sequentially or simultaneously, enabling both high-resolution cellular imaging and extended field of view by combining images from multiple illuminated regions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from conventional two-dimensional retinal imaging to three-dimensional visualization by combining transscleral en-face imaging with optical coherence tomography (OCT). This adds the depth dimension, allowing comprehensive visualization of retinal structures at multiple layers simultaneously
3Illumination intensity
If transscleral oblique illumination is used, then contrast of retinal layers is enhanced, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a multi-functional imaging system that combines transscleral en-face imaging, optical coherence tomography (OCT), and angiography capabilities in a single platform. This universal system can perform multiple imaging functions using shared optical paths and detection systems, reducing overall system complexity despite the advanced imaging modalities
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges transscleral illumination imaging with OCT and angiography functions into an integrated system. The combined system uses common optical components and detection systems for multiple imaging modalities, allowing simultaneous or sequential acquisition of structural, functional, and vascular information
4Measurement precision
If conventional imaging is used, then the system is easy to operate, but early disease changes cannot be detected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms including real-time ocular alignment monitoring and adaptive optics correction. The system automatically adjusts for eye movements and optical aberrations, maintaining optimal imaging conditions without requiring manual intervention, thus preserving ease of operation while achieving high detection precision
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables high-resolution, cellular-level imaging with a large field of view and in-depth cross-sectional visualization of the retina, allowing for better understanding and monitoring of retinal diseases by providing precise depth control and aberration correction.
Implementation Method 1
a transscleral light-delivering system providing transscleral oblique illumination of the eye fundus
Implementation Method 2
an optical coherence tomography system producing a depth-related signal of the biological structure of the eye fundus tissues
Implementation Method 3
an optical imaging system collecting the oblique illumination light scattered by the eye fundus
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to oblique transscleral illumination of an eye fundus with at least one physical point light source around the eye allowing for dark field imaging combined with optical coherence tomography imaging.