Abstract

To determine the best method of screening for and monitoring degeneration in age-related macular degeneration, we compared images of the ocular fundus taken in near IR light with a scanning laser ophthalmoscope. We digitized images from 795 to 895 nm on five normal adults (two females, three males) and four patients with age-related macular degeneration (two females, two males). The IR light source was a Ti:sapphire laser (Titan cw, SEO), pumped by all lines of an argon laser (American Laser). Wavelength tuning was performed quickly, with a stepper motor under computer control. Two of the normal subjects and all of the patients have pathology visible as bright deposits with dark vessels. The contrast of deposits and subretinal vessels was enhanced as wavelength increased, with areas that appeared uniform at 795 nm having pathology and vessels readily visible at longer wavelengths.

© 1992 Optical Society of America