Laser-based multimodal imaging platform for ophthalmology

• Subject Area: Neurosciences
• Term: Funded in 2021
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 452756518

The neurodegenerative changes and vascular dysfunctions associated with numerous diseases manifest themselves structurally and functionally in the eye, where they can be detected non-invasively using modern photonic methods. These laser-based imaging modalities include confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) for the morphological assessment of cornea, especially the subbasal nerve plexus, and optical coherence tomography (OCT). The latter allows an analysis of the retinal topography and the description of retinal substructures and the dynamics of retinal blood flow (dye-based angiography, dye-free OCT angiography). With CLSM and OCT, ophthalmologic diseases (ocular surface diseases, retinal vein and arterial occlusion, age-related macular degeneration, optic neuropathies, etc.) can be described. ) as well as secondary complications of neurological (dementia, multiple sclerosis), cardiovascular (arteriosclerosis, hypertension), endocrinological/nephrological (diabetes mellitus, salt retention diseases, renal insufficiency), but also gynecological (pre-eclampsia) diseases can be diagnosed and quantified in a unique non-invasive way. Thus, these imaging modalities offer an interdisciplinary platform for early detection and follow-up of numerous disease patterns, allow interdisciplinary studies on the above mentioned disease patterns and support the research priorities of our faculty.

• DFG Programme: Major Research Instrumentation
• Major Instrumentation: Laserbasierte multimodale Bildgebungsplattform für die Ophthalmologie
• Instrumentation Group: 5041 Operationsmikroskope
• Applicant Institution: Universität Rostock
• Leader: Professor Dr. Oliver Stachs, Ph.D.