The feasibility of oxygen perfusion imaging of the human retina using a new non-invasive near infrared imaging technique

Abstract

The feasibility of non-invasive imaging oxygen perfusion in the human retina was evaluated using a confocal scanning laser ophthalmoscope (cSLO) that adapted to use a new combination of two red (670 nm) and near infrared (810 nm) wavelengths simultaneously. Spectral analyses of the physiological status of retinal blood vessels give the ability to image perfusion in the human eye. This technique was evaluated using measurements made on an eye model, normal and diabetic retinopathy volunteers' eyes. The reproducibility of the measurements of reflected light from the eye was investigated. The measurements of light reflected from retinal vessels were determined and oxygen saturation of blood using spectral transmittance based on Beer-Lambert law was investigated. The relative oxygen levels of retinal blood vessels (artery and vein) were successfully determined using these two wavelengths. The technique showed promise in the determination of the relative oxygen saturation levels of the retina in amongst eye subjects.