Detection of Singlet Oxygen Luminescence for Experimental Corneal Rose Bengal Photodynamic Antimicrobial Therapy

Rose bengal photodynamic antimicrobial therapy (RB-PDAT) treats corneal infection by activating rose bengal (RB) with green light to produce singlet oxygen (1O2). Singlet oxygen dosimetry can help optimize treatment parameters. We present a 1O2 dosimeter for detection of 1O2 generated during experimental RB-PDAT. The system uses a 520 nm laser and an InGaAs photoreceiver with bandpass filters to detect 1O2 luminescence during irradiation. The system was validated in RB solutions and ex vivo in human donor eyes. The results demonstrate the feasibility of 1O2 dosimetry in an experimental model of RB-PDAT in the cornea.