In vivo human choroidal vascular pattern visualization using high-speed swept-source optical coherence tomography at 1060 nm.

PURPOSE

To investigate the retinal and choroidal vascular pattern, structure, and thickness using high-speed, high axial resolution, swept-source optical coherence tomography (SS-OCT) at 1060 nm, demonstrating enhanced penetration through all choroidal layers.

METHODS

An ophthalmic SS-OCT system was developed operating at 57,000 A-lines/s with 5.9 μm axial resolution and was used to collect 3D images with scanning angles up to ∼70° × 35°. The similar features were observed in the choroidal layers by imaging three healthy volunteers. En face images, extracted at different depths, capture features of the retinal and choroidal vasculature networks and substructure. Retinal and choroidal thicknesses were measured over scanning angles of ∼14° × 14°, yielding retinal and choroidal thickness maps.

RESULTS

The retinal layers, choriocapillaris (CC), Sattler's layer (SL), Haller's layer (HL), and the lamina suprachoroid layer (LSL) were delineated in 2D sagittal tomograms. The sagittal tomograms and en face reflectance images over a 2-cm(2) field of view captured the paraoptic, lateral and medial distal short posterior ciliary artery (SPCA) branches as well as the two lateral and medial long posterior ciliary arteries (LPCAs). En face images in the HL revealed the superotemporal, inferotemporal, superonasal, and inferonasal major choroidal vessels.

CONCLUSIONS

High-speed, high-resolution SS-OCT centered at 1060 nm enables retinal and choroidal vasculature networks visualization, including retina vessels, posterior ciliary artery (PCA) branches, and venous vascular patterns. This technology offers diagnostic opportunities by monitoring change in these networks, substructure, and retinal and choroidal thicknesses during disease initiation and progression.