Method for Determining Autofluorescence of an Ocular Fundus by Means of Optical Coherence Tomography

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This patent describes a method to measure the natural autofluorescence (light emission) of the back of the eye (ocular fundus) using optical coherence tomography (OCT). It involves creating detailed images of different retinal layers, analyzing these images pixel by pixel, and computing autofluorescence values for each pixel using reflectivity and thickness data.

Use CasesContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Early detection and monitoring of retinal diseases such as age-related macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy
• Improving diagnostics in ophthalmology by providing more detailed retinal imaging
• Research studies to better understand retinal structure and function based on autofluorescence data
• Personalized treatment planning for eye disorders by tracking changes in retinal autofluorescence

BenefitsContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Provides a non-invasive and detailed way to assess retinal health
• Enables layered analysis of the retina, allowing for more precise localization of abnormalities
• Potentially improves early diagnosis and monitoring of retinal diseases
• Can be integrated into existing OCT imaging systems without significant hardware changes
• Offers quantitative, pixel-by-pixel assessment for higher diagnostic accuracy

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Patent Abstract

A method for determining the autofluorescence of an ocular fundus of an eye includes detecting of an ocular fundus by means of optical coherence tomography and providing of a detected three-dimensional image of the ocular fundus including several retinal layers to an evaluation unit. Furthermore, the method includes dividing the three-dimensional image into a plurality of two-dimensional cross-sections per retinal layer and combining a plurality of cross-sections to form at least one reflectivity map and at least one layer thickness map per retinal layer, with the reflectivity map including the reflectivity of the retinal layer and the layer thickness map comprises the layer thickness of the retinal layer. Additionally, the method includes dividing the reflectivity maps and the layer thickness map each into several pixels, determining at least one reflectivity value and the layer thickness per pixel, and determining an autofluorescence value using the reflectivity value and the layer thickness per pixel.