In vivo diffuse correlation spectroscopy investigation of the ocular fundus

J Biomed Opt. 2013 May;18(5):57001. doi: 10.1117/1.JBO.18.5.057001.

Abstract

Diffuse correlation spectroscopy (DCS) measurements in vivo recorded from rabbits' ocular fundus are presented. Despite the complexity of these ocular tissues, we provide a clear and simple demonstration of the DCS abilities to analyze variations in physiological quantities of clinical interest. Indeed, the reported experimental activities demonstrate that DCS can reveal both choroidal-flow and temperature variations and detect nano- and micro-aggregates in ocular fundus circulation. Such abilities can be of great interest both in fundamental research and practical clinical applications. The proposed measuring system can be useful in: (a) monitoring choroidal blood flow variations, (b) determining the end-point for photo-dynamic therapy and transpupillary thermo therapy and, (c) managing the dye injection and determining an end-point for dye-enhanced photothrombosis. Moreover, it could allow both diagnoses when the presence of nano- and micro-aggregates is related to specific diseases and verifying the effects of nanoparticle injection in nanomedicine. Even though the reported results demonstrate the applicability of DCS to investigate ocular fundus, a detailed and accurate investigation of the limits of detection is beyond the scope of this article.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Choroid / blood supply*
  • Diagnostic Techniques, Ophthalmological*
  • Fundus Oculi*
  • Gold / chemistry
  • Male
  • Metal Nanoparticles / chemistry
  • Rabbits
  • Regional Blood Flow / physiology
  • Spectrum Analysis / instrumentation
  • Spectrum Analysis / methods*
  • Temperature

Substances

  • Gold