Time-domain full-field optical coherence tomography (TD-FF-OCT) in ophthalmic imaging

Abstract

Ocular imaging plays an irreplaceable role in the evaluation of eye diseases. Developing cellular-resolution ophthalmic imaging technique for more accurate and effective diagnosis and pathogenesis analysis of ocular diseases is a hot topic in the cross-cutting areas of ophthalmology and imaging. Currently, ocular imaging with traditional optical coherence tomography (OCT) is limited in lateral resolution and thus can hardly resolve cellular structures. Conventional OCT technology obtains ultra-high resolution at the expense of a certain imaging range and cannot achieve full field of view imaging. In the early years, Time-domain full-field OCT (TD-FF-OCT) has been mainly used for ex vivo ophthalmic tissue studies, limited by the low speed and low full-well capacity of existing two-dimensional (2D) cameras. The recent improvements in system design opened new imaging possibilities for in vivo applications thanks to its distinctive optical properties of TD-FF-OCT such as a spatial resolution almost insensitive to aberrations, and the possibility to control the curvature of the optical slice. This review also attempts to look at the future directions of TD-FF-OCT evolution, for example, the potential transfer of the functional-imaging dynamic TD-FF-OCT from the ex vivo into in vivo use and its expected benefit in basic and clinical ophthalmic research. Through non-invasive, wide-field, and cellular-resolution imaging, TD-FF-OCT has great potential to be the next-generation imaging modality to improve our understanding of human eye physiology and pathology.

Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT): A Brief Look at the Uses and Technological Evolution of Ophthalmology

“…In 1996, the first commercial TD-OCT system was released [16]. In the years following its initial development, TD-OCT was primarily employed for ophthalmic imaging, and many studies were conducted to evaluate its diagnostic and therapeutic potential [17]. The limitations of TD-OCT, such as slow image acquisition and limited axial resolution, led to the development of newer OCT technologies, such as Fourier Domain OCT (FD-OCT).…”

Chromatic confocal coherence scanning interferometry with speed-variable scanning method to measure large-depth step

“…Optical measurement methods have emerged as the predominant means for surface profiling at micro and nano scales, owing to their non-contact nature, ease of operation, and swift measurement capabilities. as surface profile characterization [12,13] and medical diagnostics [14,15].…”

Physical compensation method for dispersion of multiple materials in swept source optical coherence tomography

“…Due to its advantages of non-invasion and high axial resolution on micron scale, this technique has been rapidly adopted in the field of ophthalmic diagnosis and treatment. OCT can be used for in vivo real-time imaging of the posterior segment of the eye, including the retina and its nerve fibers, macular, optic disc and other tissue structures, to monitor and diagnose all kinds of eye diseases [2][3][4].…”