Adaptive optics scanning laser ophthalmoscope for stabilized retinal imaging

A retinal imaging instrument that integrates adaptive optics (AO), scanning laser ophthalmoscopy (SLO), and retinal tracking components was built and tested. The system uses a Hartmann-Shack wave-front sensor (HSWS) and MEMS-based deformable mirror (DM) for AO-correction of high-resolution, confocal SLO images. The system includes a wide-field line-scanning laser ophthalmoscope for easy orientation of the high-magnification SLO raster. The AO system corrected ocular aberrations to < 0.1 mu m RMS wave-front error. An active retinal tracking with custom processing board sensed and corrected eye motion with a bandwidth exceeding 1 kHz. We demonstrate tracking accuracy down to 6 mu m RMS for some subjects (typically performance: 10-15 mu m RMS). The system has the potential to become an important tool to clinicians and researchers for vision studies and the early detection and treatment of retinal diseases. (c) 2006 Optical Society of America.