The Development and Clinical Application of Innovative Optical Ophthalmic Imaging Techniques

Abstract

The field of ophthalmic imaging has grown substantially over the last years. Massive improvements in image processing and computer hardware have allowed the emergence of multiple imaging techniques of the eye that can transform patient care. The purpose of this review is to describe the most recent advances in eye imaging and explain how new technologies and imaging methods can be utilized in a clinical setting. The introduction of optical coherence tomography (OCT) was a revolution in eye imaging and has since become the standard of care for a plethora of conditions. Its most recent iterations, OCT angiography, and visible light OCT, as well as imaging modalities, such as fluorescent lifetime imaging ophthalmoscopy, would allow a more thorough evaluation of patients and provide additional information on disease processes. Toward that goal, the application of adaptive optics (AO) and full-field scanning to a variety of eye imaging techniques has further allowed the histologic study of single cells in the retina and anterior segment. Toward the goal of remote eye care and more accessible eye imaging, methods such as handheld OCT devices and imaging through smartphones, have emerged. Finally, incorporating artificial intelligence (AI) in eye images has the potential to become a new milestone for eye imaging while also contributing in social aspects of eye care.

Is it time to consider teleophthalmology as a game-changer in the management of diabetic retinopathy?

“…(70)(71)(72)(73)(74) From the literature, it is observed that a few researchers have carried out a review on smartphone-based retinal image analysis concluding that it is a quick and cost-effective tool. (75)(76)(77)(78) Further supportive data for this notion were obtained by Malerbi et al (79) in the retrospective study that evaluated the capability of semiautomated DR screening with mobile handheld retinal camera to diagnose mtm-DR and VTDR after pupil dilation in 824 patients. It has been reported that the system achieved 97.8% sensitivity and 61.4% specificity, maintaining a sufficient quality of images in more than 80% of the cases.…”

Short-Term In Vitro ROS Detection and Oxidative Stress Regulators in Epiretinal Membranes and Vitreous from Idiopathic Vitreoretinal Diseases

“…Although ERM cell population deserves more investigation, our finding about ROS, iNOS, VEGF, Ang-2, NRF2, and NOX4 expression in ERMs and vitreal fluids might represent a key aspect in the developing of individualized therapies [64]. Noteworthy, ERM can slowly progress and deepen the effects on the whole macula, and the risk of developing ERMs rises with ageing and genetic/epigenetic predisposition (ocular and systemic assets) [65]. In this context, it would be of interest to highlight that the entity of inflammation at early stages (at stage 3) might be the explanation of the increased p65NFkB mRNA expression, as confirmed by the reduced inflammation and the absence of p65NFkB mRNA expression at stage 4.…”

Early changes of ganglion cell-inner plexiform layer thickness and macular microvasculature in Posner-Schlossman syndrome: a binocular control study by OCTA

“…Due to the mild nature of the symptoms, patients might suffer multiple episodes of ocular hypertension and therefore develop optic nerve damage before presenting to a specialist. In recent years, technology has developed that makes high-resolution retinal imaging possible, and several papers have suggested the importance of evaluating the retinal layer thickness to better understand the physiopathology of ocular, neurological or systemic diseases ( 19 , 20 ). In an effort to provide a more sensible tool for detecting early glaucomatous change, we used the mGCIPL thickness and found that the PSS-affected eyes exhibited a significant decrease on average and in all quadrants compared with the PSS-fellow eyes, indicating the death of a great number of RGC and loss of their axons.…”