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Kunala K, Tang JAH, Bowles Johnson KE, Huynh KT, Parkins K, Kim HJ, Yang Q, Sparrow JR, Hunter JJ. Near Infrared Autofluorescence Lifetime Imaging of Human Retinal Pigment Epithelium Using Adaptive Optics Scanning Light Ophthalmoscopy. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2024; 65:27. [PMID: 38758638 PMCID: PMC11107951 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.65.5.27] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose To demonstrate the first near-infrared adaptive optics fluorescence lifetime imaging ophthalmoscopy (NIR-AOFLIO) measurements in vivo of the human retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cellular mosaic and to visualize lifetime changes at different retinal eccentricities. Methods NIR reflectance and autofluorescence were captured using a custom adaptive optics scanning light ophthalmoscope in 10 healthy subjects (23-64 years old) at seven eccentricities and in two eyes with retinal abnormalities. Repeatability was assessed across two visits up to 8 weeks apart. Endogenous retinal fluorophores and hydrophobic whole retinal extracts of Abca4-/- pigmented and albino mice were imaged to probe the fluorescence origin of NIR-AOFLIO. Results The RPE mosaic was resolved at all locations in five of seven younger subjects (<35 years old). The mean lifetime across near-peripheral regions (8° and 12°) was longer compared to near-foveal regions (0° and 2°). Repeatability across two visits showed moderate to excellent correlation (intraclass correlation: 0.88 [τm], 0.75 [τ1], 0.65 [τ2], 0.98 [a1]). The mean lifetime across drusen-containing eyes was longer than in age-matched healthy eyes. Fluorescence was observed in only the extracts from pigmented Abca4-/- mouse. Conclusions NIR-AOFLIO was repeatable and allowed visualization of the RPE cellular mosaic. An observed signal in only the pigmented mouse extract infers the fluorescence signal originates predominantly from melanin. Variations observed across the retina with intermediate age-related macular degeneration suggest NIR-AOFLIO may act as a functional measure of a biomarker for in vivo monitoring of early alterations in retinal health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karteek Kunala
- Center for Visual Science, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York, United States
- Byers Eye Institute, Stanford University, Palo Alto, California, United States
| | - Janet A. H. Tang
- Center for Visual Science, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York, United States
- The Institute of Optics, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York, United States
| | - Kristen E. Bowles Johnson
- Center for Visual Science, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York, United States
- Flaum Eye Institute, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York, United States
- School of Optometry, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, United States
| | - Khang T. Huynh
- Center for Visual Science, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York, United States
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York, United States
- Herbert Wertheim School of Optometry & Vision Science, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, California, United States
| | - Keith Parkins
- Center for Visual Science, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York, United States
| | - Hye-Jin Kim
- College of Pharmacy, Keimyung University, Dalseo-gu, Daegu, South Korea
- Department of Ophthalmology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York, United States
| | - Qiang Yang
- Center for Visual Science, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York, United States
| | - Janet R. Sparrow
- Department of Ophthalmology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York, United States
| | - Jennifer J. Hunter
- Center for Visual Science, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York, United States
- Flaum Eye Institute, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York, United States
- School of Optometry and Vision Science, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
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Thiemann N, Sonntag SR, Kreikenbohm M, Böhmerle G, Stagge J, Grisanti S, Martinetz T, Miura Y. Artificial Intelligence in Fluorescence Lifetime Imaging Ophthalmoscopy (FLIO) Data Analysis-Toward Retinal Metabolic Diagnostics. Diagnostics (Basel) 2024; 14:431. [PMID: 38396470 PMCID: PMC10888399 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics14040431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2023] [Revised: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to investigate the possibility of implementing an artificial intelligence (AI) approach for the analysis of fluorescence lifetime imaging ophthalmoscopy (FLIO) data even with small data. FLIO data, including the fluorescence intensity and mean fluorescence lifetime (τm) of two spectral channels, as well as OCT-A data from 26 non-smokers and 28 smokers without systemic and ocular diseases were used. The analysis was performed with support vector machines (SVMs), a well-known AI method for small datasets, and compared with the results of convolutional neural networks (CNNs) and autoencoder networks. The SVM was the only tested AI method, which was able to distinguish τm between non-smokers and heavy smokers. The accuracy was about 80%. OCT-A data did not show significant differences. The feasibility and usefulness of the AI in analyzing FLIO and OCT-A data without any apparent retinal diseases were demonstrated. Although further studies with larger datasets are necessary to validate the results, the results greatly suggest that AI could be useful in analyzing FLIO-data even from healthy subjects without retinal disease and even with small datasets. AI-assisted FLIO is expected to greatly advance early retinal diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalie Thiemann
- Institute for Neuro- and Bioinformatics, University of Lübeck, 23538 Lübeck, Germany
| | - Svenja Rebecca Sonntag
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Luebeck, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Lübeck, 23538 Lübeck, Germany
| | - Marie Kreikenbohm
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Luebeck, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Lübeck, 23538 Lübeck, Germany
| | - Giulia Böhmerle
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Luebeck, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Lübeck, 23538 Lübeck, Germany
| | - Jessica Stagge
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Luebeck, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Lübeck, 23538 Lübeck, Germany
| | - Salvatore Grisanti
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Luebeck, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Lübeck, 23538 Lübeck, Germany
| | - Thomas Martinetz
- Institute for Neuro- and Bioinformatics, University of Lübeck, 23538 Lübeck, Germany
| | - Yoko Miura
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Luebeck, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Lübeck, 23538 Lübeck, Germany
- Institute of Biomedical Optics, University of Lübeck, 23538 Lübeck, Germany
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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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Hammer M, Simon R, Meller D, Klemm M. Combining fluorescence lifetime with spectral information in fluorescence lifetime imaging ophthalmoscopy (FLIO). BIOMEDICAL OPTICS EXPRESS 2022; 13:5483-5494. [PMID: 36425633 PMCID: PMC9664887 DOI: 10.1364/boe.457946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2022] [Revised: 04/05/2022] [Accepted: 04/07/2022] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Fluorescence lifetime imaging ophthalmoscopy (FLIO) provides information on fluorescence lifetimes in two spectral channels as well as the peak emission wavelength (PEW) of the fluorescence. Here, we combine these measures in an integral three-dimensional lifetime-PEW metric vector and determine a normal range for this vector from measurements in young healthy subjects. While for these control subjects 97 (±8) % (median (interquartile range)) of all para-macular pixels were covered by this normal vector range, it was 67 (±55) % for the elderly healthy, 38 (±43) % for age-related macular degeneration (AMD)-suspect subjects, and only 6 (±4) % for AMD patients. The vectors were significantly different for retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) lesions in AMD patients from that of non-affected tissue (p < 0.001). Lifetime- PEW plots allowed to identify possibly pathologic fundus areas by fluorescence parameters outside a 95% quantile per subject. In a patient follow-up, changes in fluorescence parameters could be traced in the lifetime-PEW metric, showing their change over disease progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Hammer
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Jena, Jena, Germany
- Center for Medical Optics and Photonics, Univ. of Jena, Jena, Germany
| | - Rowena Simon
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Jena, Jena, Germany
| | - Daniel Meller
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Jena, Jena, Germany
| | - Matthias Klemm
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering and Informatics, Technical Univ. Ilmenau, 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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Datta R, Gillette A, Stefely M, Skala MC. Recent innovations in fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy for biology and medicine. JOURNAL OF BIOMEDICAL OPTICS 2021; 26:JBO-210093-PER. [PMID: 34247457 PMCID: PMC8271181 DOI: 10.1117/1.jbo.26.7.070603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2021] [Accepted: 06/11/2021] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
SIGNIFICANCE Fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy (FLIM) measures the decay rate of fluorophores, thus providing insights into molecular interactions. FLIM is a powerful molecular imaging technique that is widely used in biology and medicine. AIM This perspective highlights some of the major advances in FLIM instrumentation, analysis, and biological and clinical applications that we have found impactful over the last year. APPROACH Innovations in FLIM instrumentation resulted in faster acquisition speeds, rapid imaging over large fields of view, and integration with complementary modalities such as single-molecule microscopy or light-sheet microscopy. There were significant developments in FLIM analysis with machine learning approaches to enhance processing speeds, fit-free techniques to analyze images without a priori knowledge, and open-source analysis resources. The advantages and limitations of these recent instrumentation and analysis techniques are summarized. Finally, applications of FLIM in the last year include label-free imaging in biology, ophthalmology, and intraoperative imaging, FLIM of new fluorescent probes, and lifetime-based Förster resonance energy transfer measurements. CONCLUSIONS A large number of high-quality publications over the last year signifies the growing interest in FLIM and ensures continued technological improvements and expanding applications in biomedical research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rupsa Datta
- Morgridge Institute for Research, Madison, Wisconsin, United States
| | - Amani Gillette
- Morgridge Institute for Research, Madison, Wisconsin, United States
- University of Wisconsin, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Madison, Wisconsin, United States
| | - Matthew Stefely
- Morgridge Institute for Research, Madison, Wisconsin, United States
| | - Melissa C. Skala
- Morgridge Institute for Research, Madison, Wisconsin, United States
- University of Wisconsin, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Madison, Wisconsin, United States
- Address all correspondence to Melissa C. Skala,
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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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