Resonant imaging of carotenoid pigments in the human retina

Werner Gellermann; Igor V. Emakov; Robert W. McClane

doi:10.1117/12.470595

13 June 2002 Raman imaging of carotenoid pigments in the human retina

Werner Gellermann, Igor V. Emakov, Robert W. McClane

Proceedings Volume 4611, Ophthalmic Technologies XII; (2002) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.470595
Event: International Symposium on Biomedical Optics, 2002, San Jose, CA, United States

Abstract

We have generated high spatial resolution images showing the distribution of carotenoid macular pigments in the human retina using Raman spectroscopy. A low level of macular pigments is associated with an increased risk of developing age-related macular degeneration, a leading cause of irreversible blindness. Using excised human eyecups and resonant excitation of the pigment molecules with narrow bandwidth blue light from a mercury arc lamp, we record Raman images originating from the carbon-carbon double bond stretch vibrations of lutein and zeaxanthin, the carotenoids comprising human macular pigments. Our Raman images reveal significant differences among subjects, both in regard to absolute levels as well as spatial distribution within the macula. Since the light levels used to obtain these images are well below established safety limits, this technique holds promise for developing a rapid screening diagnostic in large populations at risk for vision loss from age-related macular degeneration.

Citation Download Citation

Werner Gellermann, Igor V. Emakov, and Robert W. McClane "Raman imaging of carotenoid pigments in the human retina", Proc. SPIE 4611, Ophthalmic Technologies XII, (13 June 2002); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.470595

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