High-Speed, Ultrahigh-Resolution Spectral-Domain OCT with Extended Imaging Range Using Reference Arm Length Matching

PURPOSE: To develop high-speed, extended-range, ultrahigh-resolution spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (UHR SD-OCT) and demonstrate scan protocols for clinical retinal imaging. METHODS: A UHR SD-OCT operating at 840-nm with 150-nm bandwidths was developed. The axial imaging range was extended by dynamically matching reference arm length to the retinal contour during acquisition. Two scan protocols were demonstrated for imaging healthy participants and patients with dry age-related macular degeneration. A high-definition raster protocol with intra–B-scan reference arm length matching (ReALM) was used for high-quality cross-sectional imaging. A cube volume scan using horizontal and vertical rasters with inter–B-scan ReALM and software motion correction was used for en face and cross-sectional imaging. Linear OCT signal display enhanced visualization of outer retinal features. RESULTS: UHR SD-OCT was demonstrated at 128- and 250-kHz A-scan rates with 2.7 µm axial resolution and a 1.2-mm, 6-dB imaging range in the eye. Dynamic ReALM was used to maintain the retina within the 6-dB imaging range over wider fields of view. Outer retinal features, including the rod and cone interdigitation zones, retinal pigment epithelium, and Bruch's membrane were visualized and alterations observed in age-related macular degeneration eyes. CONCLUSIONS: Technological advances and dynamic ReALM improve the imaging performance and clinical usability of UHR SD-OCT. TRANSLATIONAL RELEVANCE: These advances should simplify clinical imaging workflow, reduce imaging session times, and improve yield of high quality images. Improved visualization of photoreceptors, retinal pigment epithelium, and Bruch's membrane may facilitate diagnosis and monitoring of age-related macular degeneration and other retinal diseases.