In vivo functional and structural retina imaging using multimodal photoacoustic remote sensing microscopy and optical coherence tomography

TL;DR

This paper introduces a novel multimodal imaging system combining photoacoustic remote sensing and optical coherence tomography for in vivo, non-contact retinal imaging, enabling detailed structural and functional analysis including oxygen saturation measurement.

Contribution

The study presents the first non-contact photoacoustic imaging technique for in vivo retinal oxygen saturation measurement, integrating it with OCT for comprehensive retinal imaging.

Findings

Successful in vivo imaging of retinal microanatomy and vasculature

First demonstration of non-contact photoacoustic oxygen saturation measurement in retina

Potential for advanced retinal diagnostics and research

Abstract

We have developed a multimodal photoacoustic remote sensing (PARS) microscope combined with swept source optical coherence tomography for in vivo, non-contact retinal imaging. Building on the proven strength of multiwavelength PARS imaging, the system is applied for estimating retinal oxygen saturation in the rat retina. The capability of the technology is demonstrated by imaging both microanatomy and the microvasculature of the retina in vivo. To our knowledge this is the first time a non-contact photoacoustic imaging technique is employed for in vivo oxygen saturation measurement in the retina.