How hardware, software advances expand OCT capabilities

Cambridge, MA-Progress in posterior segment optical coherence tomography (OCT) imaging is continuing with novel software that provides better correction for eye motion, as well as new technology which offers faster imaging speeds, said James Fujimoto, PhD.

These developments will enable advanced processing and quantitative assessment of three-dimensional OCT data that-in the not-too-distant future-will bring functional imaging of blood flow and vascular structure into the hands of clinicians, said Dr. Fujimoto, professor of electrical engineering and computer science, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA.

“We are now approaching a point with OCT where ophthalmologists have a view of the retina that is similar to that of pathologists,” said Dr. Fujimoto. “In the future, functional imaging will make subtle changes in pathology more measurable, and these advances will enhance sensitivity when monitoring disease progression and response to therapy.”

Dr. Fujimoto further explained that it is possible to assess total arterial flow in the retina and changes in flow in response to a flicker stimulus.

The latter is of interest, he added, because neurovascular response to a flicker stimulus is considered an early marker for certain diseases, such as diabetic retinopathy.

Looking ahead, Dr. Fujimoto commented on the factors that may fuel and challenge developments in OCT.

“Innovation in OCT imaging will be driven by competition between manufacturers,” he said. “However-as a competing problem-development costs, market size, and reimbursement changes may limit innovation.”

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