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Development of a Linear Optical Coherence Tomography Low-Cost System for Ophthalmic Applications
(2024)
This publication introduces a prototype of a fiber-based linear optical coherence tomography system (LOCT) that can be used for economical retinal screening in ophthalmology. The system uses standard off-the-shelf components to reduce production costs, complexity, and adjustment efforts while providing high-quality imaging of artificial retinal structures. We present the results of A- and B-scans of technical samples and an artificial eye model that was conducted to assess the system’s performance regarding axial resolution, imaging depth, and dispersion compensation. The study’s findings suggest that LOCT is a cost-effective solution for ophthalmology and shows great potential for monitoring the progression of retina-related diseases such as glaucoma or age-related macular degeneration.
A fiber-based linear optical coherence tomography (LOCT) system employing a cost-effective CMOS camera has previously demonstrated high-resolution imaging suitable for retinal screening, including glaucoma monitoring. However, the system’s imaging depth was constrained to approximately 400μm, insufficient for depth imaging of the optic nerve head (ONH), due to limitations imposed by the camera’s sensor size and pixel pitch. To overcome this limitation without replacing the economical and available sensor, we present a modification to the reference arm. By optimizing the utilization of the camera sensor’s vertical dimension, the system achieves an extended imaging depth, enabling the visualization of deeper tissue structures. Validation using an artificial eye model confirms that the modified LOCT system significantly enhances imaging depth while maintaining B-Scan quality. This advancement offers a cost-effective approach to extend the measurement range of LOCT systems, broadening their applicability in retinal imaging without altering the actual imaging sensor.