Clinical application of high-contrast three-dimensional imaging of the retina, choroid, and optic nerve with three-dimensional Fourier domain optical coherence tomography

We present three dimensional (3D) imaging of macular diseases and glaucoma with high speed, Fourier domain optical coherence tomography (FD-OCT). Our FD-OCT system allows video rate cross-sectional imaging with 98 dB sensitivity and 4.3 μm depth-resolution in tissue. This performance results in high contrast sectional images that enhance visualization of fine retinal layers including external limiting membrane and of deep structure such as the choroid and optic nerve. Volume rendering of 3D OCT data set taken for 3.5 seconds provides realistic 3D images of macular, optic disc and their pathologic changes. This manuscript will show the methods for three dimensional FD-OCT including a raster scanning protocol for volume rendering and cancellation of the motion artifact of eye balls, and the application of the high contrast three dimensional OCT imaging to macular diseases and glaucoma in clinical examination.