Abstract

The confocal Scanning Laser Ophthalmoscope (cSLO) enables us to analyse in some detail the light scattered back from the retina. Surprisingly, light falling on the retina appears to be diffused within the various retinal layers to a distance of as much as 100 microns. This has significant impact on the design of imaging devices for the inside of the eye, and leads us to reassess the the images of the fundus which have been obtained by both traditional and novel means. If light diffuses sideways so much, how are we able to see with 20/20 (5 micron) acuity? And how much is the 'image' traditionally used in ophthalmic diagnosis modified from some ideal 'truth' to present the view understood by skilled observers?

© 1987 Optical Society of America