The construction of a model eye for investigation of laser-tissue interactions in scanning laser ophthalmoscopy.
OBJECTIVE
To develop a model eye to study laser-tissue interactions during retinal imaging with scanning ophthalmoscopy.


METHODS
A model eye was designed to match the optical properties of the human eye based on the Bennett and Rabbetts schematic eye.


RESULTS
Alterations in axial length resulted in changes in refractive error similar to those in the human eye (3.70 D for 1 mm in axial length). Perfusion-fixed retinal tissue could be successfully imaged using the Heidelberg Retina Tomograph and Optical Coherence Tomograph to provide images that are similar in quality to those obtained.


CONCLUSIONS
The model eye should be a valuable tool for investigating laser-tissue interactions during scanning laser ophthalmoscopy and the derivation of digital retinal and tomographic images. This model should also enable a determination of the accuracy with which digital imaging techniques, such as the optical coherence tomograph and Heidelberg Retina Tomograph, measure retinal structure.
Rakebrandt
Frank
F
Department of Optometry & Vision Sciences, Cardiff University, United Kingdom.
North
Rachel V
RV
Erichsen
Jonathan T
JT
Drasdo
Neville
N
Fowler
Colin
C
Cowey
Alan
A
Morgan
James E
JE
D000818:Animals; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D006801:Humans; D007834:Lasers; D008252:Macaca fascicularis; D008954:Models, Biological; D009799:Ocular Physiological Phenomena; D009887:Ophthalmoscopy / Q000379:methods*; D012160:Retina / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D014054:Tomography