Researchers have developed a new instrument that can offer a detailed image of the entire eye, enhancing the patient’s experience because they won’t have to go via imaging with various devices.

Poland’s Nicolaus Copernicus University research team under the leadership of Ireneusz Grulkowski has worked with Spain-based Universidad de Murcia’s Pablo Artal’s team for the development of the imaging system.

Based on optical coherence tomography (OCT), the new system enables to capture detailed and cross-sectional ophthalmology images.

Most clinical instruments can image depths between 2mm and 3mm, and it is not easy to change between imaging the front and back portions of the eye as it is composed of elements that bend the light to focus it onto the retina.

To solve these issues, the researchers employed an electrically tunable lens to develop an OCT instrument that can focus light for imaging the whole-eye.

The optical properties of an electrically tunable lens can be controlled with the support of an electric current, which is difficult with standard glass or plastic lenses.

OCT system is integrated with a newly commercialized laser that continuously changes wavelength quickly.

The wavelength-tunable laser will help to enhance the resolution and speed of OCT compared to systems that use other light sources.

Researchers incorporated high-speed electronics to reach the imaging depth required to enable whole eye imaging.

Grulkowski said: “We also want to use our instrument to measure opacities in the eye’s crystal lens and the vitreous to better understand how various parts of the eye affect the deterioration of vision,”

 “We believe that the ability to measure these opacities and other properties of the eye that couldn’t be examined before will open up many new ophthalmology applications for OCT.”


Image: Researchers have developed a new instrument to provide a detailed image of the entire eye. Photo: courtesy of Paul Savage.