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Rostock Cornea Module 2.0 – a versatile extension for anterior segment imaging
Author(s) -
Stachs O.,
Sperlich K.,
Bohn S.,
Stolz H.,
Guthoff R.
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
acta ophthalmologica
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.534
H-Index - 87
eISSN - 1755-3768
pISSN - 1755-375X
DOI - 10.1111/j.1755-3768.2017.02381
Subject(s) - cornea , computer science , modular design , biomedical engineering , microscope , computer vision , optics , medicine , ophthalmology , physics , operating system
Purpose In vivo corneal confocal laser scanning microscopy became a valuable tool for studying corneal morphology in health and disease. Enabling the optical dissection of the corneal architecture, this technique offers non‐invasive in vivo imaging at a cellular level being important for current research. Presently there is only one device available without undergoing technological changes in the last years. We are presenting new Rostock Cornea Module developments for anterior segment imaging using up to date confocal scanning laser technology. Methods We redesigned the RCM in a modular way. It is possible to use different microscope objectives for user defined requirements as well as to choose between contact and non‐contact application. Since the focal adjustment inside the cornea is often fiddly, we incorporated a fast piezo stage for closed‐loop focus control and adjustment. Further topics addressed: modular setup, extended field of view, reduction of eye movement and compression artifacts as well as software based noise reduction technologies. Results We tested the new RCM in combination with a Spectralis platform, offering a resolution of 1536 by 1536 pixel. Performing contact measurements, we get similar results compared to the well‐known RCM ‐ HRT combination, but with a higher resolution and wider field of view. In non‐contact measurements, the reflection on the cornea surface is very prominent and limits imaging of epithelial structures. We could achieve high resolution stromal imaging of e.g. keratocytes nuclei and stromal nerves. Conclusions The RCM 2.0 concept is a versatile extension for visualization corneal structures at a cellular level enabling instant focal plane shifts. Further improvements, wavelength adaption and dedicated customizations are subject of current research.