Diagnostic applications of near infrared solid-state lasers in the eye

For early detection and quantification of potential pathological changes in retinal and subretinal structures the authors use near infrared lasers and a scanning laser ophthalmoscope. The laser beam is scanned in a raster pattern across the fundus, light is sampled by confocal apertures, and a sensitive solid state detector provides a video rate image. Data of the ocular fundus are compared using infrared imaging with no dye enhancement and using indocyanine green angiography. Solid state, near infra-red lasers provide an ideal source for imaging the ocular fundus, since the many pigments are greatly decreased in total absorption at infrared wavelengths, compared with visible light. The effect is that images can be acquired in vivo, with safe, comfortable levels of light, without dilating the pupil