Spectral Autofluorescence Imaging of the Retina for Drusen Detection

Foubister, J. J., Gorman, A., Harvey, A. and van Hemert, J. (2018) Spectral Autofluorescence Imaging of the Retina for Drusen Detection. In: SPIE BiOS 2018, San Francisco, CA, USA, 27 Jan - 01 Feb 2018, 104741H. ISBN 9781510614338 (doi: 10.1117/12.2286611)

Abstract

The presence and characteristics of drusen in retinal images, namely their size, location, and distribution, can be used to aid in the diagnosis and monitoring of Age Related Macular Degeneration (AMD); one of the leading causes for blindness in the elderly population. Current imaging techniques are effective at determining the presence and number of drusen, but fail when it comes to classifying their size and form. These distinctions are important for correctly characterising the disease, especially in the early stages where the development of just one larger drusen can indicate progression. Another challenge for automated detection is in distinguishing them from other retinal features, such as cotton wool spots. We describe the development of a multi-spectral scanning-laser ophthalmoscope that records images of retinal autofluorescence (AF) in four spectral bands. This will offer the potential to detect drusen with improved contrast based on spectral discrimination for automated classification. The resulting improved specificity and sensitivity for their detection offers more reliable characterisation of AMD. We present proof of principle images prior to further system optimisation and clinical trials for assessment of enhanced detection of drusen.

• Item Type: Conference Proceedings
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Gorman, Dr Alistair and Foubister, James and Harvey, Professor Andy
• Authors: Foubister, J. J., Gorman, A., Harvey, A., and van Hemert, J.
• College/School: College of Science and Engineering > School of Physics and Astronomy
• ISSN: 1605-7422
• ISBN: 9781510614338
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2018 SPIE
• First Published: First published in Proceedings of SPIE 10474: 104741H
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced in accordance with the publisher copyright policy