Open AccessIn vivo adaptive optics microvascular imaging in diabetic patients without clinically severe diabetic retinopathy
Author(s) -
Stephen A. Burns,
Ann E. Elsner,
Toco Y. P. Chui,
Dean A. VanNasdale,
Christopher A. Clark,
Thomas Gast,
Victor E. Malinovsky,
Anh Danh T. Phan
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
biomedical optics express
Language(s) - Uncategorized
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.362
H-Index - 86
ISSN - 2156-7085
DOI - 10.1364/boe.5.000961
Subject(s) - retinal , diabetic retinopathy , ophthalmology , retina , confocal , medicine , lumen (anatomy) , magnification , adaptive optics , retinopathy , scanning laser ophthalmoscopy , diabetes mellitus , optics , biology , neuroscience , physics , endocrinology
We used a confocal adaptive optics scanning laser ophthalmoscope (AOSLO) to image the retina of subjects with non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR). To improve visualization of different retinal features, the size and alignment of the confocal aperture were varied. The inner retinal layers contained clearly visualized retinal vessels. In diabetic subjects there was extensive capillary remodeling despite the subjects having only mild or moderate NPDR. Details of the retinal microvasculature were readily imaged with a larger confocal aperture. Hard exudates were observed with the AOSLO in all imaging modes. Photoreceptor layer images showed regions of bright cones and dark areas, corresponding in location to overlying vascular abnormalities and retinal edema. Clinically undetected intraretinal vessel remodeling and varying blood flow patterns were found. Perifoveal capillary diameters were larger in the diabetic subjects (p<0.01), and small arteriolar walls were thickened, based on wall to lumen measurements (p<.05). The results suggest that existing clinical classifications based on lower magnification clinical assessment may not adequately measure key vascular differences among individuals with NPDR.