Device and method for optical imaging of retinal function
First Claim
1. An apparatus for the functional imaging of a retina comprising:
- a. a stimulation source positioned with respect to the retina;
b. a retinal interrogator constructed and arranged to emit light in the direction of the retina and along an optical path;
c. a detector constructed and arranged to detect the light emitted from the retinal interrogator and reflected from the retina;
d. wherein the retinal interrogator is constructed and arranged to emit light in a plurality of wavelengths and positioned to transmit light through a and sclera; and
e. a computer for analyzing the light detected by the detector, the light comprising a retinal image frame, and extracting a signal that corresponds to stimulus-evoked activity of a specific class of retinal cells thereby determining a relationship of a baseline response to the stimulation source.
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Accused Products
Abstract
An Optical Imaging Device of Retinal Function has been developed to detect changes in reflectance of near infrared light from the retina of human subjects in response to visual activation of the retina by a pattern stimulus. The measured changes in reflectance correspond in time to the onset and offset of the visual stimulus in the portion of the retina being stimulated. Any changes in reflectance can be measured by interrogating the retina with a light source. The light source may be presented to the retina via the cornea and pupil or through other tissues in and around the eye. Different wavelengths of interrogating light may be used to interrogate various layers of the retina. Additionally, various novel patterns and methods of stimulation have been developed for use with the imaging device and methods.
61 Citations
44 Claims
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1. An apparatus for the functional imaging of a retina comprising:
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a. a stimulation source positioned with respect to the retina; b. a retinal interrogator constructed and arranged to emit light in the direction of the retina and along an optical path; c. a detector constructed and arranged to detect the light emitted from the retinal interrogator and reflected from the retina; d. wherein the retinal interrogator is constructed and arranged to emit light in a plurality of wavelengths and positioned to transmit light through a and sclera; and e. a computer for analyzing the light detected by the detector, the light comprising a retinal image frame, and extracting a signal that corresponds to stimulus-evoked activity of a specific class of retinal cells thereby determining a relationship of a baseline response to the stimulation source. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
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15. A method for stimulating a functional signal in a retina comprising the steps of:
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a. recording a baseline retinal response wherein the recording comprises transmitting light through a sclera; b. applying a stimulus to the retina during a stimulus phase; c. recording a retinal response during the stimulus phase wherein the recording comprises transmitting light through a sclera; and d. computing a relationship of the baseline response to the stimulus response by analyzing a captured retinal image frame, the captured retinal image frame comprising the recorded stimulus response, and extracting a signal that corresponds to stimulus-evoked activity of a specific class of retinal cells. - View Dependent Claims (16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30)
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31. A system for the functional imaging of a retina, comprising:
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a. a means for stimulating the retina; b. a means for interrogating a retinal response to the stimulation means wherein the means for interrogating the retina comprises a means for illuminating the retina via transcleral illumination; c. a means for detecting a reflection of light from the retina resultant from the interrogating means; and d. a means for analyzing the light detected by the detector, the light comprising a retinal image frame, and extracting a signal that corresponds to stimulus-evoked activity of a specific class of retinal cells thereby determining a relationship of a baseline response to the stimulation source. - View Dependent Claims (32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44)
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Specification