In November 2007, Chinese scientists achieved a major breakthrough by obtaining the first retinal tomography images of human eyes using advanced OCT-AO imaging technology. This development, led by the Institute of Optoelectronics at the Chinese Academy of Sciences, marks significant progress in in vivo retinal imaging technology. The project successfully captured high-resolution images of the retina, paving the way for more precise and non-invasive medical diagnostics.
Currently, fundus retinal imaging relies on technologies such as adaptive optical fundus cameras, adaptive optical confocal scanning ophthalmoscopes, and adaptive optics coherence tomography (AO-CT). These systems use Adaptive Optics (AO) to correct eye aberrations, allowing for lateral resolution close to the diffraction limit. However, each has its limitations. Adaptive optical fundus cameras provide only surface-level images, while confocal scanning ophthalmoscopes lack sufficient longitudinal resolution for detailed multi-layer retinal imaging.
Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT), a rapidly evolving imaging technique, uses low-coherent optical interferometry to detect backscattered signals from different depths within biological tissues. By scanning, it can generate two- or three-dimensional images with high vertical resolution—typically 1–15 μm, which is 1–2 orders of magnitude better than ultrasound. Its non-contact nature makes it ideal for high-resolution imaging of the retinal layers. When combined with AO technology, OCT can achieve both high lateral and vertical resolution, enabling the creation of detailed 3D retinal images.
This advancement opens new possibilities for early diagnosis, disease monitoring, treatment evaluation, and biomedical research. The ability to capture real-time, high-resolution retinal images without invasive procedures is a game-changer in ophthalmology and beyond. It not only enhances the accuracy of diagnosing retinal diseases but also supports broader applications in systemic health assessments.
The successful acquisition of in vivo retinal tomography images represents a critical step forward for China in developing next-generation bio-optical imaging technologies. This innovation has the potential to significantly improve the diagnosis and treatment of retinal conditions, ultimately contributing to better public health outcomes.
— China Medicine 123 Network
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