IN VIVO CONFOCAL MICROSCOPE IMAGING OF OCULAR TISSUES

长期目标是开发和销售高灵敏度， 市场高灵敏度显微镜系统成像眼组织，在 vivo. 该项目的具体目标是：1。设计，建造， 测试高数值孔径透镜，用于前后成像 晶体透镜上皮细胞和透镜纤维，在体内，2. 到 研究高NA、衍射极限透镜系统的可行性， 具有很强的光学切片特性，用于成像后部 视网膜，在体内，3. 开发接触元件的光学设计， 将增强浅表上皮细胞图像的对比度和细节 细胞，4。 提高光学系统关键部件的精度 系统，使光学切片和分辨率的全部功能 可供研究和临床用户使用。 白内障的研究 各种药物的形成和影响应通过 高分辨率图像和跟踪对象的能力， 时间段. 视网膜图像具有强光学切片和高 分辨率将有助于研究黄斑、神经、纤维 层、椎间盘和视网膜细胞移植的研究。 早期 传染性角膜疾病如阿米巴和真菌的诊断 是一个持续的目标。 建议的商业应用： 一种用于晶状体透镜的研究和临床研究的仪器， 角膜和视网膜。 它扩展了裂隙灯的功能 通过提高分辨率，光学切片能力， 用于检测名义上透明组织中微弱细节的灵敏度。 角膜疾病的早期诊断是一个特别有前途的应用。

The long term objective is to develop and market high sensitivity and market high sensitivity microscope systems for imaging ocular tissues, in vivo. Specific aims for this project are: 1. to design, construct, and test high numerical aperture lenses for imaging the anterior and posterior crystalline lens epithelial cells and lens fibers, in vivo, 2. To investigate the feasibility of a high NA, diffraction limited lens system, with strong optical sectioning characteristics, for imaging the posterior retina, in vivo, 3. To develop optical designs of contact elements that will enhance the contrast and detail in images of superficial epithelial cells,and 4. To refine the precision of critical components of the optical system so that the full capabilities for optical sectioning and resolution are available to research and clinical users. The study of cataract formation and the influence of various drugs should be facilitated by the high resolution images and the ability to follow subjects over extended time periods. Retinal images with strong optical sectioning and high resolution will be useful for studies of the macula, the nerve, fiber layer, the disc, and research on retinal cell transplantation. The early diagnosis of infectious corneal diseases such as Acanthamoeba and fungus is a continuing goal. Proposed Commercial Applications: An instrument for research and clinical studies of the crystalline lens, the cornea, and the retina. It extends the capabilities of the slit lamp by its increased resolution, optical sectioning capability, and enhanced sensitivity for detection of faint detail in nominally transparent tissues. Early diagnosis of corneal disease is a particularly promising application.