Abstract
Advances in retinal imaging with adaptive optics have yielded unprecedented image quality, and a new window to the structure and function of tissues in the living eye. When combined with low-coherence imaging techniques, the potential exists for layer-by-layer 3D mapping and functional imaging of the retina with cellular resolution. With smaller and smaller voxels, reduction of image noise and enhancement of specific spatial frequencies to boost contrast of various structures requires image averaging capability. But with higher and higher magnification, the image perturbations associated with eye motion are magnified as well. Post-processing compensation of image displacements and distortions becomes quite problematic in noisy image fields with relatively few landmarks and low contrast features. By adding high-speed, real time retinal image stabilization to adaptive optics imaging techniques, most motion-induced problems can be addressed, and the performance of image processing algorithms can be significantly enhanced. Closed-loop precision optical tracking has been demonstrated in the eye, and new approaches to integration and control in the Tracking Adaptive Optics Scanning Laser Ophthalmoscope (TAOSLO) are described. Both high closed-loop tracking bandwidth (∼1KHz) and adaptive control of AO imaging systems are essential to achieve the target accuracy of sub-pixel motional broadening.