Preclinical imaging of iridocorneal angle and fundus using a modified integrated flexible handheld probe

Abstract

Abstract. A flexible handheld imaging probe consisting of a 3 mm × 3 mm charge-coupled device camera, lightemitting diode light sources, and near-infrared laser source is designed and developed. The imaging probe is designed with specifications to capture the iridocorneal angle images and posterior segment images. Light propagation from the anterior chamber of the eye to the exterior is considered analytically using Snell's law. Imaging of the iridocorneal angle region and fundus is performed on ex vivo porcine samples and subsequently on small laboratory animals, such as the New Zealand white rabbit and nonhuman primate, in vivo. The integrated flexible handheld probe demonstrates high repeatability in iridocorneal angle and fundus documentation. The proposed concept and methodology are expected to find potential application in the diagnosis, prognosis, and management of glaucoma.

Implementation of anterior segment ophthalmic telemedicine

“…Additional efforts to use smartphones to image the angle with a 4-mirror goniolens have been trialed, but the relative skill and dexterity needed to capture such photographs would limit the use of this imaging modality for telemedical purposes [71]. Potentially convenient and cost-effective handheld devices for iridocorneal imaging are currently in preclinical development [72].…”