Derivative Three-Dimensional Synchronous Fluorescence Analysis of Tear Fluid and Their Processing for the Diagnosis of Glaucoma.

BACKGROUND

Sensitive and rapid diagnosis of the early stages of glaucoma from tear fluid is a great challenge for researchers.

METHODS

Tear fluid was analyzed using three-dimensional synchronous fluorescence spectroscopy (3D-SFS). Our previously published results briefly describe the main methods which applied the second derivative to a selected synchronous spectrum Δλ = 110 nm in distinguishing between healthy subjects (CTRL) and patients with glaucoma (POAG).

RESULTS

In this paper, a novel strategy was used to evaluate three-dimensional spectra from the tear fluid database of our patients. A series of synchronous excitation spectra were processed as a front view and presented as a single curve showcasing the overall fluorescence profile of the tear fluid. The second derivative spectrum provides two parameters that can enhance the distinction between CTRL and POAG tear fluid.

CONCLUSIONS

Combining different types of 3D-SFS data can offer interesting and useful diagnostic tools and it can be used as input for machine learning and process automation.