Light-induced changes of the subretinal space of the temporal retina observed via optical coherence tomography

Abstract

Photoreceptor function is impaired in many retinal diseases like age-related macular degeneration. Currently, assessment of the photoreceptor function for the early diagnosis and monitoring of these diseases is either subjective, as in visual field testing, requires contact with the eye, like in electroretinography, or relies on research prototypes with acquisition speeds unattained by conventional imaging systems. We developed an objective, noncontact method to monitor photoreceptor function using a standard optical coherence tomography system. This method can be used with various white light sources for stimulation. The technique was applied in five volunteers and detected a decrease of volume of the subretinal space associated with light adaptation processes of the retina.

Functional Optical Coherence Tomography for Intrinsic Signal Optoretinography: Recent Developments and Deployment Challenges

“…Moreover, advanced ORG processing algorithms allow the mapping of various functional activities over morphological images. While the implementation of OCT-ORG in clinics is still at an early stage, recent studies demonstrated the feasibility of ORG measurement in human subjects ( 25 , 31 , 32 , 36 , 37 , 54 , 57 , 69 , 70 , 102 , 105 ). To facilitate clinical transition, it would be necessary to refine experimental procedures and shorten the examination time, including the light/dark adaptation to reduce the subject's burden.…”

“…However, human study has sometimes shown intriguing but puzzling results. Messner et al ( 105 ) observed a distance decrease between IS/OS junction and RPE after the light stimulus. They observed that the OS tips and RPE were drawn closer together after light exposure, speculating that this might be associated with a decrease in volume of the SRS ( 105 ), which is conflicting with previous observations ( 99 ).…”

“…Messner et al ( 105 ) observed a distance decrease between IS/OS junction and RPE after the light stimulus. They observed that the OS tips and RPE were drawn closer together after light exposure, speculating that this might be associated with a decrease in volume of the SRS ( 105 ), which is conflicting with previous observations ( 99 ). In addition, Azimipour et al observed that the RPE band appears to split, with its apical portion moving toward the cone OS tip after the light stimulus.…”

A recommended “minimum data set” framework for SD‐OCT retinal image acquisition and analysis from the Atlas of Retinal Imaging in Alzheimer's Study (ARIAS)

“…This framework is not meant to be exhaustive, but rather a starting point from which to move forward as a field. For example, methodological factors, such as lighting, 39,40 may influence retinal morphology. As such, standardization of lighting conditions may require standardization in the future, although whether this makes a significant difference in AD measurements remains to be systematically investigated.…”

“…This framework is not meant to be exhaustive, but rather a starting point from which to move forward as a field. For example, methodological factors, such as lighting,39,40 may influence retinal morphology. As such, standardization of lighting conditions may require standardization in the future, although whether this makes a significant difference in AD measurements remains to be systematically investigated.Looking to the future, use of this minimum data set could spur efficient data accumulation and analysis in the field, including data examining within subjects, longitudinal change in cognitive aging, and AD.…”