17.12.2024 The anterior chamber of the eye plays a critical role in our visual mechanism, serving dual purposes of protection and optical functionality. This vital anatomical region acts not only as a protective barrier but also as a crucial optical pathway that focuses light onto the retina, enabling our visual perception of the world.
Our comprehensive research project is dedicated to developing advanced imaging methodologies for examining the structure and function of the anterior eye chamber, leveraging cutting-edge Fourier domain Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) techniques. Our approach transcends traditional imaging methods based solely on light scattering, exploring innovative systems capable of capturing complex physiological characteristics including polarization and mechanical properties of ocular tissues.
The primary objective of our research is to develop diagnostic technologies with significant potential for early detection of anterior segment disorders and identifying retinal conditions that manifest through anterior segment changes, such as glaucoma. A notable sub-project involved designing a clinical system for multi-spot measurements of corneal deformation induced by air pulses. Through collaborative research with an ophthalmology clinic in Bydgoszcz, we conducted an extensive study involving nearly 100 patients, utilizing detailed quantitative analyses to identify and characterize corneal deformation parameters that could serve as potential biomarkers for keratoconus.
Text: Karol Karnowski, PhD, Acting IDoc Leader
Project team:
Karol Karnowski
Jadwiga Milkiewicz
Piotr Nalewajko
Related financing: IMCUSTOMEYE, IRAP (MAB) by FNP
References:
1. D. Alonso-Caneiro, K. Karnowski, B. Kaluzny, A. Kowalczyk, and M. Wojtkowski, “Assessment of corneal dynamics with high-speed swept source Optical Coherence Tomography combined with an air puff system”, Optics Express, Vol. 19, Issue 15, pp. 14188-14199 (2011)
2. S. Marcos, C. Dorronsoro, K. Karnowski, M. Wojtkowski, „Corneal biomechanics From Theory to Practice: OCT with air puff stimulus”, Kugler Publications 2016, edited by C.J. Roberts, J. Liu
3. K. Karnowski, E. Maczynska, M. Nowakowski, B. Kaluzny, I. Grulkowski, M. Wojtkowski, “Impact of diurnal IOP variations on the dynamic corneal hysteresis measured with air-puff swept-source OCT”, Photonics Letters of Poland, (2018)
4. E. Maczynska, K. Karnowski, K. Szulzycki, M. Malinowska, H. Dolezyczek, A. Cichanski, M. Wojtkowski, B. Kaluzny and I. Grulkowski, “Assessment of the influence of viscoelasticity of cornea in animal ex vivo model using air-puff optical coherence tomography and corneal hysteresis”, J Biophotonics, 2019; 12:e201800154 (2019)
5. A. Curatolo, J. S. Birkenfeld, E. Martinez-Enriquez, J. A. Germann, G. Muralidharan, J. Palací, D. Pascual, A. Eliasy, A. Abass, J. Solarski, K. Karnowski, Maciej Wojtkowski, Ahmed Elsheikh, and Susana Marcos, “Multi-meridian corneal imaging of air-puff induced deformation for improved detection of biomechanical abnormalities,” Biomed. Opt. Express 11, 6337-6355 (2020).
