OCT imaging technology can improve the diagnosis and treatment of glaucoma

To enhance the diagnosis and treatment of glaucoma, a team of researchers from the Indiana University School of Optometry has developed a groundbreaking non-invasive fundus imaging technique. This innovative method allows for the detailed visualization and counting of individual retinal cells, offering new insights into the progression of eye diseases.

Zhou Lin Liu, a research assistant at the Donal T. Miller Laboratory and the lead author of the study, described the technique as a high-resolution optical microscope with exceptional sensitivity. She explained that this advanced system enables ophthalmologists to directly count retinal ganglion cells—cells that are progressively lost in glaucoma—allowing for earlier detection of damage and more effective treatment strategies.

Glaucoma is a leading cause of blindness worldwide, as it gradually destroys the retina’s ability to transmit visual signals to the brain. The disease often progresses silently, making early detection critical for preventing vision loss.

Professor Donal T. Miller, who leads the research, noted that these retinal ganglion cells are extremely small, transparent, and have minimal light reflection, which makes them difficult to image using traditional tools. “Without clear images, it’s hard to assess the extent of cell damage,” he said. “If we can detect this damage at the single-cell level early on, it could significantly improve the management of glaucoma and other retinal conditions.”

The team’s approach builds upon optical coherence tomography (OCT), the standard diagnostic tool in ophthalmology. By integrating adaptive optics—a technology originally used in astronomy to correct atmospheric distortions—the researchers achieved higher resolution and contrast in their images. This advancement allows for more precise and detailed views of the retina than ever before.

Liu added, “Our method provides a non-invasive alternative to traditional biopsies. By adjusting the focus of the instrument, we can capture clear images of retinal cells at various depths, from the surface to the deepest layers, without compromising the health of the retina.”

Looking ahead, the research team aims to refine the technique to monitor not just the structure of retinal cells, but also their functional activity. “If we can achieve this, we will open up entirely new possibilities for mapping retinal neural circuits and detecting the earliest signs of disease,” Miller said. This development could revolutionize how eye diseases are diagnosed and treated, offering hope for millions affected by vision loss worldwide.