In Vivo 3D Determination of Peripapillary Scleral and Retinal Layer Architecture Using Polarization-Sensitive Optical Coherence Tomography

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this paper was to determine the architecture of the collagen fibers of the peripapillary sclera, the retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL), and Henle's fiber layer in vivo in 3D using polarization-sensitive optical coherence tomography (PS-OCT). Methods Seven healthy volunteers were imaged with our in-house built PS-OCT system. PS-OCT imaging included intensity, local phase retardation, relative optic axis, and optic axis uniformity (OAxU). Differential Mueller matrix calculus was used for the first time in ocular tissues to visualize local orientations that varied with depth, incorporating a correction method for the fiber orientation in preceding layers. Results Scleral collagen fiber orientation images clearly showed an inner layer with an orientation parallel to the RNFL orientation, and a deeper layer where the collagen was circularly oriented. RNFL orientation images visualized the nerve fibers leaving the optic nerve head (ONH) in a radial pattern. The phase retardation and orientation of Henle's fiber layer were visualized locally for the first time. Conclusions PS-OCT successfully showed the orientation of the retinal nerve fibers, sclera, and Henle's fiber layer, and is to the extent of our knowledge the only technique able to do so in 3D in vivo. Translational Relevance In vivo 3D imaging of scleral collagen architecture and the retinal neural fibrous structures can improve our understanding of retinal biomechanics and structural alterations in different disease stages of myopia and glaucoma.

Study on the Optic Nerve Fiber Layer Thickness and Changes in Blood Flow in Myopic Children

“…In contrast, few studies have reported on the RNFL thickness of the optic papilla in children, especially in children with high myopia. Previous studies have found no connection between the RNFL thickness and myopia and AL in adults using OCT. 10 , 11 Conversely, some studies have found a negative association between the RNFL thickness and AL. 12 The parapapillary retinal RNFL thickness varies in different studies, and the findings of the studies vary in each region.…”

Exploring the Cell Stemness and the Complexity of the Adipose Tissue Niche

“…For example, the composition of collagen III found in healing wounds differs from other forms and is rich in intermolecular carbohydrate components [ 62 ]. Birefringence, visualized using the polarizing filters, is already commonly utilized in medical diagnostic, and the bright birefringence result against a dark background has been used in other tissues, such as in ophthalmology or dermatology to view skin lesions [ 63 , 64 , 65 ]. This illustrates how the biophysical properties of the ECM can be useful in studying the ECM composition, stiffness, porosity, and fiber alignment anisotropy that affect tissue architectures and play a crucial role in controlling cell behavior in vivo.…”

Advances in OCT Imaging in Myopia and Pathologic Myopia

“…PS-OCT has shown potential utility in evaluating myopia-related pathologic changes. For example, PS-OCT successfully demonstrated the structure of collagen fibers of the retinal nerve fibers, sclera, and Henle’s fiber layer [ 30 ]. In addition, PS-OCT was used to assess melanin distribution at the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) in high myopia patients and showed decreased depolarization at the RPE [ 31 ].…”