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Sonntag SR, Kreikenbohm M, Böhmerle G, Stagge J, Grisanti S, Miura Y. Impact of cigarette smoking on fluorescence lifetime of ocular fundus. Sci Rep 2023; 13:11484. [PMID: 37460627 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-37484-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2022] [Accepted: 06/22/2023] [Indexed: 07/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Cigarette smoking is known to adversely affect cellular metabolism and is a risk factor for various retinal diseases. Fluorescence lifetime imaging ophthalmoscopy (FLIO) has the potential to detect metabolic changes in the ocular fundus. Aim of this study was to analyze the influence of cigarette smoking on fluorescence lifetime (FLT) of healthy eyes using FLIO. Twenty-six non-smokers and 28 smokers aged between 20 and 37 years without systemic and ocular diseases were investigated by FLIO (excitation: 473 nm, emission: short spectral channel (SSC) 498-560 nm, long spectral channel (LSC) 560-720 nm). The FLT at the ETDRS grid regions were analyzed and compared. In SSC, the mean FLT (τm) of smokers was significantly longer in the ETDRS inner ring region, whereas the τm in LSC was significantly shorter in the outer ring. For the long component (τ2), smokers with pack year < 7.11 showed significantly shorter τ2 in SSC than non-smokers and the smokers with pack year ≥ 7.11. There were no significant differences in retinal thickness. The lack of obvious structural differences implies that the observed FLT changes are likely related to smoking-induced metabolic changes. These results suggest that FLIO may be useful in assessing retinal conditions related to lifestyle and systemic metabolic status.
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Affiliation(s)
- Svenja Rebecca Sonntag
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Lübeck, Ratzeburger Allee 160, 23538, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Marie Kreikenbohm
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Lübeck, Ratzeburger Allee 160, 23538, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Giulia Böhmerle
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Lübeck, Ratzeburger Allee 160, 23538, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Jessica Stagge
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Lübeck, Ratzeburger Allee 160, 23538, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Salvatore Grisanti
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Lübeck, Ratzeburger Allee 160, 23538, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Yoko Miura
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Lübeck, Ratzeburger Allee 160, 23538, Lübeck, Germany.
- Institute of Biomedical Optics, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany.
- Medical Laser Center Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany.
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Dysli C, Dysli M, Wolf S, Zinkernagel M. Fluorescence lifetime distribution in phakic and pseudophakic healthy eyes. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0279158. [PMID: 36608033 PMCID: PMC9821472 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0279158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2020] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To investigate the influence of the lens status and to describe fundus autofluorescence lifetimes (FLT) in a large cohort of healthy eyes across a wide age range. MATERIALS AND METHODS FLT data were acquired from healthy phakic and pseudophakic eyes using fluorescence lifetime imaging ophthalmoscopy (FLIO). Retinal autofluorescence was excited with a 473 nm laser and emitted autofluorescence was detected in a short and a long spectral channel (SSC: 498-560 nm; LSC: 560-720 nm). RESULTS 141 healthy eyes from 141 participants (56 ± 18 years) were included. The shortest mean FLTs were measured within the macular center, followed by the temporal inner and outer ETDRS (Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study) grid segments, and the remaining areas of the inner and the outer ETDRS ring. In phakic participants (81%), mean, short and long FLTs correlated with the age (SSC: r2 = 0.54; LSC: r2 = 0.7; both p<0.0001) with an increase of about 33 ps in the SSC resp. 28 ps in the LSC per decade. In pseudophakic subjects (19%), mean FLTs only correlated with age in the long spectral channel (r2 = 0.44; p = 0.0002) but not in the short spectral channel (r2 = 0.066; p = 0.2). CONCLUSIONS Fundus autofluorescence lifetimes are age dependent. FLTs in the SSC are more susceptible to lens opacities but less dependent on age changes, whereas FLTs in the LSC are largely independent of the lens status but display a higher degree of age dependency. STUDY REGISTRY ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01981148.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chantal Dysli
- Department of Ophthalmology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital and Department of BioMedical Research, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Muriel Dysli
- Department of Ophthalmology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital and Department of BioMedical Research, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Sebastian Wolf
- Department of Ophthalmology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital and Department of BioMedical Research, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Martin Zinkernagel
- Department of Ophthalmology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital and Department of BioMedical Research, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- * E-mail:
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Schweitzer D, Haueisen J, Klemm M. Suppression of natural lens fluorescence in fundus autofluorescence measurements: review of hardware solutions. BIOMEDICAL OPTICS EXPRESS 2022; 13:5151-5170. [PMID: 36425615 PMCID: PMC9664869 DOI: 10.1364/boe.462559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2022] [Revised: 07/25/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Fluorescence lifetime imaging ophthalmoscopy (FLIO), a technique for investigating metabolic changes in the eye ground, can reveal the first signs of diseases related to metabolism. The fluorescence of the natural lens overlies the fundus fluorescence. Although the influence of natural lens fluorescence can be somewhat decreased with mathematical models, excluding this influence during the measurement by using hardware enables more exact estimation of the fundus fluorescence. Here, we analyze four 1-photon excitation hardware solutions to suppress the influence of natural lens fluorescence: aperture stop separation, confocal scanning laser ophthalmoscopy, combined confocal scanning laser ophthalmoscopy and aperture stop separation, and dual point confocal scanning laser ophthalmoscopy. The effect of each principle is demonstrated in examples. The best suppression is provided by the dual point principle, realized with a confocal scanning laser ophthalmoscope. In this case, in addition to the fluorescence of the whole eye, the fluorescence of the anterior part of the eye is detected from a non-excited spot of the fundus. The intensity and time-resolved fluorescence spectral data of the fundus are derived through the subtraction of the simultaneously measured fluorescence of the excited and non-excited spots. Advantages of future 2-photon fluorescence excitation are also discussed. This study provides the first quantitative evaluation of hardware principles to suppress the fluorescence of the natural lens during measurements of fundus autofluorescence.
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Affiliation(s)
- D. Schweitzer
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Jena, Am Klinikum 1, 07747 Jena, Germany
| | - J. Haueisen
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering and Informatics, POB 100565, 98694 Ilmenau, Germany
| | - M. Klemm
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering and Informatics, POB 100565, 98694 Ilmenau, Germany
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Alexopoulos P, Madu C, Wollstein G, Schuman JS. The Development and Clinical Application of Innovative Optical Ophthalmic Imaging Techniques. Front Med (Lausanne) 2022; 9:891369. [PMID: 35847772 PMCID: PMC9279625 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2022.891369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2022] [Accepted: 05/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The field of ophthalmic imaging has grown substantially over the last years. Massive improvements in image processing and computer hardware have allowed the emergence of multiple imaging techniques of the eye that can transform patient care. The purpose of this review is to describe the most recent advances in eye imaging and explain how new technologies and imaging methods can be utilized in a clinical setting. The introduction of optical coherence tomography (OCT) was a revolution in eye imaging and has since become the standard of care for a plethora of conditions. Its most recent iterations, OCT angiography, and visible light OCT, as well as imaging modalities, such as fluorescent lifetime imaging ophthalmoscopy, would allow a more thorough evaluation of patients and provide additional information on disease processes. Toward that goal, the application of adaptive optics (AO) and full-field scanning to a variety of eye imaging techniques has further allowed the histologic study of single cells in the retina and anterior segment. Toward the goal of remote eye care and more accessible eye imaging, methods such as handheld OCT devices and imaging through smartphones, have emerged. Finally, incorporating artificial intelligence (AI) in eye images has the potential to become a new milestone for eye imaging while also contributing in social aspects of eye care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Palaiologos Alexopoulos
- Department of Ophthalmology, NYU Langone Health, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, United States
| | - Chisom Madu
- Department of Ophthalmology, NYU Langone Health, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, United States
| | - Gadi Wollstein
- Department of Ophthalmology, NYU Langone Health, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, United States
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, NYU Tandon School of Engineering, Brooklyn, NY, United States
- Center for Neural Science, College of Arts & Science, New York University, New York, NY, United States
| | - Joel S. Schuman
- Department of Ophthalmology, NYU Langone Health, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, United States
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, NYU Tandon School of Engineering, Brooklyn, NY, United States
- Center for Neural Science, College of Arts & Science, New York University, New York, NY, United States
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, NYU Tandon School of Engineering, Brooklyn, NY, United States
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Dysli C, Dysli M, Lincke J, Jaggi D, Wolf S, Zinkernagel MS. IMAGING ARTIFACTS IN FLUORESCENCE LIFETIME IMAGING OPHTHALMOSCOPY. Retina 2021; 41:2378-2390. [PMID: 34111887 DOI: 10.1097/iae.0000000000003235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To investigate and quantify the influence of imaging artifacts on retinal fluorescence lifetime (FLIO) values and to provide helpful hints and tricks to avoid imaging artifacts and to improve FLIO image acquisition quality. METHODS A systematic analysis of potential parameters influencing FLIO quality and/or fluorescence lifetime values was performed in a prospective systematic experimental imaging study in five eyes of five healthy subjects. For image acquisition, a fluorescence lifetime imaging ophthalmoscope (Heidelberg Engineering) was used. Quantitative analysis of FLIO lifetime changes due to imaging artifacts was performed. RESULTS Imaging artifacts with significant influence on fluorescence lifetimes included too short image acquisition time, insufficient illumination, ocular surface problems, and image defocus. Prior use of systemic or topical fluorescein makes analysis of retinal fluorescence lifetimes impossible. CONCLUSION Awareness of possible sources of imaging artifacts is important for FLIO image acquisition and analysis. Therefore, standardized imaging and analysis procedure in FLIO is crucial for high-quality image acquisition and the possibility for systematic quantitative fluorescence lifetime analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chantal Dysli
- Department of Ophthalmology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, Bern, Switzerland; and
- Department of BioMedical Research, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Muriel Dysli
- Department of Ophthalmology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, Bern, Switzerland; and
- Department of BioMedical Research, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Joel Lincke
- Department of Ophthalmology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, Bern, Switzerland; and
- Department of BioMedical Research, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Damian Jaggi
- Department of Ophthalmology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, Bern, Switzerland; and
- Department of BioMedical Research, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Sebastian Wolf
- Department of Ophthalmology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, Bern, Switzerland; and
- Department of BioMedical Research, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Martin S Zinkernagel
- Department of Ophthalmology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, Bern, Switzerland; and
- Department of BioMedical Research, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
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LONGITUDINAL FLUORESCENCE LIFETIME IMAGING OPHTHALMOSCOPY ANALYSIS IN PATIENTS WITH MACULAR TELANGIECTASIA TYPE 2 (MacTel). Retina 2021; 41:1416-1427. [PMID: 34137386 DOI: 10.1097/iae.0000000000003055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Fluorescence lifetime imaging ophthalmoscopy (FLIO) shows characteristic patterns in macular telangiectasia Type 2 (MacTel). This study investigates FLIO changes over time to better understand disease progression. METHODS Thirty-three patients with MacTel (age 60 ± 15 years) were followed at the Moran Eye Center with a prototype Heidelberg Engineering FLIO. The mean follow-up time was 19 ± 8 months (range 6-34 months). Fundus autofluorescence was excited at 473 nm, and FLIO lifetimes were recorded in in short (498-560 nm) and long (560-720 nm) spectral wavelengths channels. RESULTS Autofluorescence lifetimes imaging ophthalmoscopy lifetimes from the MacTel area prolonged significantly over time (subfield T1, baseline: short spectral channel 210 ± 54 ps, long spectral channel 269 ± 58 ps; follow-up: short spectral channel 225 ± 59 ps, P < 0.001, long spectral channel 282 ± 64 ps, P < 0.01). The average 12-months prolongation of FLIO lifetimes was 9 ps (short spectral channel) and 8 ps (long spectral channel). Autofluorescence lifetimes changes correlated positively with ellipsoid zone loss and negatively with changes in retinal thickness. CONCLUSION Autofluorescence lifetimes in MacTel slowly prolong over time, and temporal patterns progress to full rings. Detailed knowledge about FLIO changes will aid in understanding disease development and progression.
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Lincke JB, Dysli C, Jaggi D, Fink R, Wolf S, Zinkernagel MS. The Influence of Cataract on Fluorescence Lifetime Imaging Ophthalmoscopy (FLIO). Transl Vis Sci Technol 2021; 10:33. [PMID: 34004011 PMCID: PMC8088233 DOI: 10.1167/tvst.10.4.33] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose To investigate the influence of lens opacifications on fluorescence lifetime imaging ophthalmoscopy (FLIO). Methods Forty-seven eyes of 45 patients were included. Mean fluorescence lifetimes (Tm) were recorded with a fluorescence lifetime imaging ophthalmoscope in a short spectral channel (SSC) and a long spectral channel (LSC). Retinal and lens autofluorescence lifetimes were measured in subjects before and after cataract surgery. Lens opacification was graded using the Lens Opacities Classification System III (LOCS III) classification. Results The retinal Tm decreased significantly after cataract surgery in both spectral channels (SSC: -53%, P < 0.0001; LSC: -26%, P = 0.0041). The lens Tm differed significantly between the crystalline and the artificial lens in both spectral channels (P < 0.0001). The "nuclear opacity" and "nuclear color" score of the LOCS III classification correlated significantly with the mean Tm difference in both spectral channels (P < 0.0001). Conclusions Lens opacification results in significantly longer retinal Tm. Therefore the lens status has to be considered when performing cross-sectional fluorescence lifetime analysis. Cataract-formation and cataract-surgery needs to be considered when conducting longitudinal studies. Grading of nuclear opacity following the LOCS III classification provides an approximate conversion formula for the mean change of lifetimes, which can be helpful in the interpretation of data in patients with lens opacities. Translational Relevance FLIO is significantly influenced by lens opacities. Using a lens opacity grading scheme and measuring fluorescence lifetimes before and after cataract surgery, an approximative conversion formula can be calculated, which enables the comparison of lifetimes after cataract surgery or over the course of time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joel-Benjamin Lincke
- Department of Ophthalmology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Chantal Dysli
- Department of Ophthalmology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Damian Jaggi
- Department of Ophthalmology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Rahel Fink
- Department of Ophthalmology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Sebastian Wolf
- Department of Ophthalmology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Martin S Zinkernagel
- Department of Ophthalmology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, Bern, Switzerland
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Goerdt L, Sauer L, Vitale AS, Modersitzki NK, Fleckenstein M, Bernstein PS. Comparing Fluorescence Lifetime Imaging Ophthalmoscopy in Atrophic Areas of Retinal Diseases. Transl Vis Sci Technol 2021; 10:11. [PMID: 34110387 PMCID: PMC8196421 DOI: 10.1167/tvst.10.7.11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Fluorescence lifetime imaging ophthalmoscopy (FLIO) is a non-invasive imaging modality to investigate the human retina. This study compares FLIO lifetimes in different degenerative retinal diseases. Methods Included were eyes with retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and/or photoreceptor atrophy due to Stargardt disease (n = 66), pattern dystrophy (n = 18), macular telangiectasia type 2 (n = 49), retinitis pigmentosa (n = 28), choroideremia (n = 26), and geographic atrophy (n = 32) in age-related macular degeneration, as well as 37 eyes of 37 age-matched healthy controls. Subjects received Heidelberg Engineering FLIO, autofluorescence intensity, and optical coherence tomography imaging. Amplitude-weighted mean FLIO lifetimes (τm) were calculated and analyzed. Results Retinal FLIO lifetimes show significant differences depending on the disease. Atrophic areas in geographic atrophy and choroideremia showed longest mean FLIO lifetimes. τm values within areas of RPE and outer nuclear layer atrophy were significantly longer than within areas with preserved outer nuclear layer (P < 0.001) or non-atrophic areas (P < 0.001). Conclusions FLIO is able to contribute additional information regarding differences in chronic degenerative retinal diseases. Although it cannot replace conventional autofluorescence imaging, FLIO adds to the knowledge in these diseases and may help with the correct differentiation between them. This may lead to a more in-depth understanding of the pathomechanisms related to atrophy and types of progression. Translational Relevance Differences between atrophic retinal diseases highlighted by FLIO may indicate separate pathomechanisms leading to atrophy and disease progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lukas Goerdt
- John A. Moran Eye Center, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA.,Department of Ophthalmology, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Lydia Sauer
- John A. Moran Eye Center, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | | | | | | | - Paul S Bernstein
- John A. Moran Eye Center, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
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Sauer L, Vitale AS, Modersitzki NK, Bernstein PS. Fluorescence lifetime imaging ophthalmoscopy: autofluorescence imaging and beyond. Eye (Lond) 2021; 35:93-109. [PMID: 33268846 PMCID: PMC7852552 DOI: 10.1038/s41433-020-01287-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2020] [Revised: 10/20/2020] [Accepted: 11/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Fluorescence lifetime imaging ophthalmoscopy, FLIO, has gained large interest in the scientific community in the recent years. It is a noninvasive imaging modality that has been shown to provide additional information to conventional imaging modalities. The FLIO device is based on a Heidelberg Engineering Spectralis system. Autofluorescence lifetimes are excited at 473 nm and recorded in two spectral wavelength channels, a short spectral channel (SSC, 498-560 nm) and a long spectral channel (LSC, 560-720 nm). Typically, mean autofluorescence lifetimes in a 30° retinal field are investigated. FLIO shows a clear benefit for imaging different retinal diseases. For example, in age-related macular degeneration (AMD), ring patterns of prolonged FLIO lifetimes 1.5-3.0 mm from the fovea can be appreciated. Macular telangiectasia type 2 (MacTel) shows a different pattern, with prolonged FLIO lifetimes within the typical MacTel zone. In Stargardt disease, retinal flecks can be appreciated even before they are visible with other imaging modalities. Early hydroxychloroquine toxicity appears to be detectable with FLIO. This technique has more potential that has yet to be discovered. This review article focuses on current knowledge as well as pitfalls of this technology. It highlights clinical benefits of FLIO imaging in different ophthalmic and systemic diseases, and provides an outlook with perspectives from the authors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lydia Sauer
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Moran Eye Center, University of Utah School of Medicine, 65 Mario Capecchi Drive, Salt Lake City, UT, 84132, USA
| | - Alexandra S Vitale
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Moran Eye Center, University of Utah School of Medicine, 65 Mario Capecchi Drive, Salt Lake City, UT, 84132, USA
| | - Natalie K Modersitzki
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Moran Eye Center, University of Utah School of Medicine, 65 Mario Capecchi Drive, Salt Lake City, UT, 84132, USA
| | - Paul S Bernstein
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Moran Eye Center, University of Utah School of Medicine, 65 Mario Capecchi Drive, Salt Lake City, UT, 84132, USA.
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Wynne N, Carroll J, Duncan JL. Promises and pitfalls of evaluating photoreceptor-based retinal disease with adaptive optics scanning light ophthalmoscopy (AOSLO). Prog Retin Eye Res 2020; 83:100920. [PMID: 33161127 DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2020.100920] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2020] [Revised: 10/28/2020] [Accepted: 10/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Adaptive optics scanning light ophthalmoscopy (AOSLO) allows visualization of the living human retina with exquisite single-cell resolution. This technology has improved our understanding of normal retinal structure and revealed pathophysiological details of a number of retinal diseases. Despite the remarkable capabilities of AOSLO, it has not seen the widespread commercial adoption and mainstream clinical success of other modalities developed in a similar time frame. Nevertheless, continued advancements in AOSLO hardware and software have expanded use to a broader range of patients. Current devices enable imaging of a number of different retinal cell types, with recent improvements in stimulus and detection schemes enabling monitoring of retinal function, microscopic structural changes, and even subcellular activity. This has positioned AOSLO for use in clinical trials, primarily as exploratory outcome measures or biomarkers that can be used to monitor disease progression or therapeutic response. AOSLO metrics could facilitate patient selection for such trials, to refine inclusion criteria or to guide the choice of therapy, depending on the presence, absence, or functional viability of specific cell types. Here we explore the potential of AOSLO retinal imaging by reviewing clinical applications as well as some of the pitfalls and barriers to more widespread clinical adoption.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niamh Wynne
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Joseph Carroll
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA; Department of Cell Biology, Neurobiology & Anatomy, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Jacque L Duncan
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA.
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Schweitzer D, Haueisen J, Brauer JL, Hammer M, Klemm M. Comparison of algorithms to suppress artifacts from the natural lens in fluorescence lifetime imaging ophthalmoscopy (FLIO). BIOMEDICAL OPTICS EXPRESS 2020; 11:5586-5602. [PMID: 33149973 PMCID: PMC7587265 DOI: 10.1364/boe.400059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2020] [Revised: 08/08/2020] [Accepted: 08/08/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Fluorescence lifetime imaging ophthalmoscopy (FLIO) has developed as a new diagnostic tool in ophthalmology. FLIO measurements are taken from 30° retinal fields in two spectral channels (short spectral channel (SSC): 498-560 nm, long spectral channel (LSC): 560-720 nm). Because of the layered structure of the eye, the detected signal is an interaction of the fluorescence decay of the anterior part and of the fundus. By comparing FLIO measurements before and after cataract surgery, the impact of the natural lens was proven, despite the application of a confocal laser scanning (cSLO) technique. The goal of this work was to determine the best algorithmic solution to isolate the sole fundus fluorescence lifetime from the measured signal, suppressing artifacts from the natural lens. Three principles based on a tri-exponential model were investigated: a tailfit, a layer-based approach with a temporally shifted component, and the inclusion of a separately measured fluorescence decay of the natural lens. The mean fluorescence lifetime τm,12 is calculated using only the shortest and the intermediate exponential component. τm,all is calculated using all three exponential components. The results of tri-exponential tailfit after cataract surgery were considered as a reference, because the implanted artificial lens can be assumed as non-fluorescent. In SSC, the best accordance of τm,all of the reference was determined with τm,12 of the tailfit before surgery. If high-quality natural lens measurements are available, the correspondence of τm,12 is best with τm,all of the reference. In LSC, there is a good accordance for all models between τm,12 before and after surgery. To study the pure fundus fluorescence decay in eyes with natural lenses, we advise to utilize fluorescence lifetime τm,12 of a triple-exponential tailfit, as it corresponds well with the mean fluorescence lifetime τm,all of eyes with fluorescence-less artificial intraocular lenses.
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Affiliation(s)
- D. Schweitzer
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Jena, Am Klinikum 1, 07747 Jena, Germany
| | - J. Haueisen
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering and Informatics, POB 100565, 98694 Ilmenau, Germany
| | - J. L. Brauer
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Jena, Am Klinikum 1, 07747 Jena, Germany
| | - M. Hammer
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Jena, Am Klinikum 1, 07747 Jena, Germany
| | - M. Klemm
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering and Informatics, POB 100565, 98694 Ilmenau, Germany
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Sauer L, Vitale AS, Milliken CM, Modersitzki NK, Blount JD, Bernstein PS. Autofluorescence Lifetimes Measured with Fluorescence Lifetime Imaging Ophthalmoscopy (FLIO) Are Affected by Age, but Not by Pigmentation or Gender. Transl Vis Sci Technol 2020; 9:2. [PMID: 32879759 PMCID: PMC7442880 DOI: 10.1167/tvst.9.9.2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2020] [Accepted: 06/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Fluorescence lifetime imaging ophthalmoscopy (FLIO) is a novel modality to investigate the human retina. This study aims to characterize the effects of age, pigmentation, and gender in FLIO. Methods A total of 97 eyes from 97 healthy subjects (mean age 37 ± 18 years, range 9-85 years) were investigated in this study. This study included 47 (49%) females and 50 males. The pigmentation analysis was a substudy including 64 subjects aged 18 to 40 years (mean age 29 ± 6 years). These were categorized in groups A (darkly pigmented, 8), B (medium pigmented, 20), and C (lightly pigmented, 36). Subjects received Heidelberg Engineering FLIO and optical coherence tomography imaging. Retinal autofluorescence lifetimes were detected in two spectral channels (short spectral channel [SSC]: 498-560 nm; long spectral channel [LSC]: 560-720 nm), and amplitude-weighted mean fluorescence lifetimes (τm) were calculated. Additionally, autofluorescence lifetimes of melanin were measured in a cuvette. Results Age significantly affected FLIO lifetimes, and age-related FLIO changes in the SSC start at approximately age 35 years, whereas the LSC shows a consistent prolongation with age from childhood. There were no gender- or pigmentation-specific significant differences of autofluorescence lifetimes. Conclusions This study confirms age-effects in FLIO but shows that the two channels are affected differently. The LSC appears to show the lifelong accumulation of lipofuscin. Furthermore, it is important to know that neither gender nor pigmentation significantly affect FLIO lifetimes. Translational Relevance This study helps to understand the FLIO technology better, which will aid in conducting future clinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lydia Sauer
- John A. Moran Eye Center, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | | | - Cole M Milliken
- John A. Moran Eye Center, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA.,Storm Eye Institute, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | | | - J David Blount
- John A. Moran Eye Center, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Paul S Bernstein
- John A. Moran Eye Center, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
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Brauer JL, Schultz R, Klemm M, Hammer M. Influence of Lens Fluorescence on Fluorescence Lifetime Imaging Ophthalmoscopy (FLIO) Fundus Imaging and Strategies for Its Compensation. Transl Vis Sci Technol 2020; 9:13. [PMID: 32855860 PMCID: PMC7422756 DOI: 10.1167/tvst.9.8.13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2019] [Accepted: 04/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose To explore the contribution of crystalline lens fluorescence to fluorescence lifetimes measured with fluorescence lifetime imaging ophthalmoscopy (FLIO) and to propose a computational model to reduce the lens influence. Methods FLIO, which detects autofluorescence decay over time in a short-wavelength spectral channel (SSC, 498–560 nm) and a long-wavelength spectral channel (LSC, 560–720 nm), was performed on 32 patients before and after cataract extraction. The mean autofluorescence lifetime (τm) of the fundus was determined from a three-exponential fit of the postoperative fluorescence decays. The preoperative measurements were fit with series of exponential functions in which one fluorescence component was time-shifted in order to represent lens fluorescence. Results Postoperatively, τm was 185 ± 22 ps in the SSC and 209 ± 34 ps in the LSC at the posterior pole. These values were best reproduced by fitting the postoperative measurements with a three-exponential model with a time-shifted third fluorescence component (SSC, 203 ± 45 ps; LSC, 215 ± 29 ps), whereas disregarding time-shifted lens fluorescence resulted in significantly (P < 0.001) longer τm values (SSC, 474 ± 206 ps; LSC, 215 ± 29 ps). The fluorescence of the cataract lens contributed to the total fluorescence by 54.2 ± 10.6% (SSC) and 29.5 ± 9.9% (LSC). Conclusions Cataract lens fluorescence greatly alters fluorescence lifetimes measured at the fundus by FLIO, resulting in an overestimation of the lifetimes; however, this may be compensated for considerably by taking lens influence into account in the fitting model. Translational Relevance This study investigates cataract fluorescence in FLIO and a mathematical model for compensation of this influence.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Rowena Schultz
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Jena, Jena, Germany
| | - Matthias Klemm
- Technical University Ilmenau, Institute for Biomedical Techniques and Informatics, Ilmenau, Germany
| | - Martin Hammer
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Jena, Jena, Germany.,Center for Medical Optics and Photonics, University of Jena, Jena, Germany
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