title: [Large-scale imaging of corneal nerve fibres by guided eye movements].
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The high resolution of corneal confocal microscopy (CCM) allows in vivo imaging of the corneal sub-basal nerve plexus (SNP). The field of view of a single CCM image (0.16 mm²) is not sufficient for the reliable morphometric characterisation of the SNP. Therefore we are developing a highly automated mosaicking technique for large-area imaging of the SNP using CCM image sequences.
  
  
  METHODS
  In order to acquire an image sequence of a larger area of the SNP, the view direction of the patient is guided by a computer-controlled moving fixation target on a display in front of the non-examined eye. The CCM image sequence is recorded with 30 fps. An online calculated mosaic image allows the medical operator to observe the acquisition process and assess the quality and size of the resulting image during the CCM recording process. Remaining image artefacts are corrected in an automated post-processing step.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Using a first prototype system and an appropriate fixation target trajectory, a mean growth of the covered SNP area of 0.18 mm²/s could be achieved.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Using the presented technology, large-area images of the SNP can be generated. The technology is characterized by a high degree of automation and short examination times.
authors.affiliation: Karlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT), Institut für Angewandte Informatik, Karlsruhe.
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Köhler
authors.affiliation: Karlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT), Institut für Angewandte Informatik/Automatisierungstechnik, Karlsruhe.
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Allgeier
authors.affiliation: Karlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT), Institut für Angewandte Informatik, Karlsruhe.
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Eberle
authors.affiliation: Karlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT), Institut für Angewandte Informatik/Automatisierungstechnik, Karlsruhe.
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Maier
authors.affiliation: Klinik und Poliklinik für Augenheilkunde, Universität Rostock.
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Peschel
authors.affiliation: Karlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT), Institut für Angewandte Informatik, Karlsruhe.
authors.forename: K-M
authors.initials: KM
authors.lastname: Reichert
authors.affiliation: Klinik und Poliklinik für Augenheilkunde, Universität Rostock.
authors.forename: O
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Stachs
mesh_terms: D003315:Cornea / Q000166:cytology* / Q000294:innervation* / Q000502:physiology; D004867:Equipment Design; D019544:Equipment Failure Analysis; D005133:Eye Movements / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D007089:Image Enhancement / Q000379:methods; D007090:Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods; D018613:Microscopy, Confocal / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D009412:Nerve Fibers / Q000502:physiology / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D019721:Ophthalmoscopes; D009887:Ophthalmoscopy / Q000379:methods*; D056888:Patient Positioning / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity