Novel Functional Ophthalmic Devices
Major eye diseases such as diabetic retinopathy and glaucoma affect over 8 million Canadians. Presently, the diagnostic technology at our disposal predominantly caters to imaging ocular structures and exhibits restricted capacity in measuring functional metrics, such as the degree of oxygen saturation and metabolic alterations in oxygenation. These functional parameters harbour considerable significance in facilitating the diagnosis and preemptive management of ocular diseases. Accordingly, one of our primary emphases revolves around the development of innovative ophthalmic devices specifically tailored to capture distinctive functional and structural images, heralding a paradigm shift in ocular diagnostics.
As an illustration, we are developing a new application of photon absorption remote sensing (PARS) microscopy (AKA Photoacoustic remote sensing) to capture detailed functional and structural information of vascularized tissue, with a focus on ophthalmic applications. Current research goals are aimed at improving the safety, repeatability, and contrast of our in-vivo PARS imaging systems while also enhancing the accurate measurement of key functional parameters such as blood oxygenation, and metabolic rate of oxygen consumption. PARS functional imaging represents one of the most promising avenues toward the accurate measurement of functional parameters while remaining non-contact and label-free. The successful development of these imaging technology systems would enhance the diagnostic capabilities of ophthalmologists, potentially preventing vision loss for millions of Canadians.
As an illustration, we are developing a new application of photon absorption remote sensing (PARS) microscopy (AKA Photoacoustic remote sensing) to capture detailed functional and structural information of vascularized tissue, with a focus on ophthalmic applications. Current research goals are aimed at improving the safety, repeatability, and contrast of our in-vivo PARS imaging systems while also enhancing the accurate measurement of key functional parameters such as blood oxygenation, and metabolic rate of oxygen consumption. PARS functional imaging represents one of the most promising avenues toward the accurate measurement of functional parameters while remaining non-contact and label-free. The successful development of these imaging technology systems would enhance the diagnostic capabilities of ophthalmologists, potentially preventing vision loss for millions of Canadians.
