Discovering an Invisible Layer in Retina and its ties to AMD

Project Summary

Aim 1: Developing an advanced retinal imaging device for measuring the true thickness of outer nuclear layer (ONL) in the entire macular region, by: 1. Improving imaging speed, 2. Developing novel scanning pattern, 3. Training artificial intelligence to fully automate the imaging acquisition. Aim 2: Pilot imaging studies using the VD-OCT prototypes. First step: a pilot validation study on normal subjects. Second step: a short-term prospective observational study to measure the thickness of ONL in intermediate-stage dry-AMD patients and healthy age-matched control subjects. 

Our proposed VD-OCT can visualize a retinal layer (Henle’s fiber layer) that is invisible in the current OCT retinal imaging devices. And this discovery leads to the precise measurement of the true ONL thickness, which is an important biomarker for photoreceptor health. We will also leverage the recent development in laser technology to significantly increase imaging speed and artificial intelligence to automate the imaging procedure that could significantly improve the clinical utility. 

Our VD-OCT will provide accurate measurement of ONL thickness. An improved understanding of photoreceptor cell loss around drusen and in the wider macula will allow new insight into AMD progression and provide precise imaging biomarkers for AMD clinical trials. OCT biomarkers reflecting photoreceptor degeneration in this study will allow earlier identification and quantification of progression to advanced AMD. Finally, in the context of current and future gene- and cell-based therapies, precise measurements of the ONL may prove to be an important quantitative imaging biomarker of regeneration.