Description:
- Diagnostics
- Ophthalmology
Abstract
By utilizing an imaging system that includes optical elements and an image sensor array that images the retina and interior eye structures with low light levels that do not cause the pupils to constrict, USC researchers discovered that examinations can be done with naturally dilated pupils. The system collects light reflected from the patient’s retina and interior eye structures, and the optical elements focus that light on the image sensor array to produce an image of the patient’s retina for the physician to examine.
Benefit
- Eliminates the need to use mydriasis, which can save time on examinations, or the need for high intensity light sources that can damage the patient’s retina during examinations
- Provides low power, high sensitivity examination of interior eye structures during physiological dilation of the pupil without inducing pupillary contraction
- Applicable to other surgical procedures that commonly use low light such as endoscopy
Market Application
Detailed examination of internal structures of the eye is important for both clinical and surgical applications. High resolution imaging of such structures, like the retina, often requires chemical mydriasis, or artificial dilation of the pupil, resulting in extra time to induce dilation, as well as prolonged sensitivity to light following examination and the potential for retinal light toxicity. These disadvantages impede the widespread use of detailed ophthalmological examinations, which could detect pathological conditions at an early stage, thereby facilitating their treatment.
Publications
Other
Stage of Development:
- Proof of concept demonstrated