Highly Compact and Power Efficient Retinal Illumination System

University of Arizona
posted on 04/24/2009

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Background: Fundus cameras and retinal imaging systems are essential tools to diagnose and monitor ocular lesions.  A great deal of interest has been shown in improving the imaging capabilities in terms of power efficiency and image quality for illuminating retinal and other ocular tissues.  Although there has been significant progress in the development of the imaging systems in this area, the typical illumination systems employ extended area sources, and rely on the use of an annular mask that unavoidably blocks a great percentage of the incident intensity, thus wasting power and causing patient discomfort.
Researchers at the University of Arizona College of Optical Sciences and Department of Ophthalmology have developed an illumination system for retinal imaging systems that uses a very compact and light efficient optical design which is also compatible with laser and semiconductor sources. It meets the requirements of typical retinal imaging systems and thus is easy to implement in existing Fundus cameras. The parts utilized in the design are of relatively low cost.

Stage of Development: A full simulation of the illumination into the eye and retina has been performed in Zemax.  A working prototype has demonstrated good image quality and reduced patient discomfort.

Applications:
*  Lesion detection in retinal and ocular tissue.
*  Retinal imaging and monitoring.

Advantages:
*  Power and cost effective
*  Highly compact and simple
*  More flexible, compatible with semiconductor and laser sources
*  Improved patient comfort

Lead Inventors: Prof. James Schwiegerling and Edward A. DeHoog.

Refer to Case # UA09-046
Contact Amy Phillips
aphillips@optics.arizona.edu

Status: Provisional Patent Application filed; seeking commercial partner to license