Hyperspectral Retinal Imaging for Assessment of Retinal Laser Damage

Development of an optimized fundus imager to field use requires detailed knowledge of the spectral response of the eye damage lesion in order to design the optimal imager. That first step is satisfied by the development of a 1D hyperspectral fundus imager to enable the researcher to identify the features of interest and collect the spectra. In this Phase I effort, the design study will be conducted for the 1D imager to determine the performance perform the basic design of the instrument for review with the Air Force to ensure all requirements are satisfied, the device is physically reasonable and perform preliminary costing. Based on prior Kestrel experience, the key issues are identified and expected outcomes and issues will guide this process. BENEFIT: The benefits of this research are (a) a family of hyperspectral fundus imagers able to operate over a greately extended wavelength range, (b) the ability to indentify (mild) laser eye damage by spectral signature, thus making better damage threshold information possible and enabling more quantiative research into approapriate treatments, and (c) the instruments will be used as standardized platforms for other opthalmic instruments with similar requirements.