Purpose: The goal of this study was to evaluate the ability of our handheld optical coherence tomography (OCT) scanner to image the posterior and anterior structures of the human eye, and especially the individual layers of the retina, and to compare its diagnostic performance with that of a fixed desktop commercial ophthalmic OCT system.
Methods: We compared the clinical imaging results of our handheld OCT with a leading commercial desktop ophthalmic system (RTVue) used in specialist offices. Six patients exhibiting diabetes-related retinal pathology had both eyes imaged with each OCT system.
Results: In both sets of images, the structural irregularities of the retinal layers could be identified such as retinal edema and vitreomacular traction.
Conclusions: Our handheld OCT system can be used to identify relevant anatomical structures and pathologies in the eye, potentially enabling earlier screening, disease detection, and treatment. Images can be acquired quickly, with sufficient resolution and negligible motion artifacts that would normally limit its diagnostic use.
Translational relevance: Following screening and early disease detection in primary care via our optimized handheld OCT system, patients can be referred to a specialist for treatment, preventing further disease progression. While many primary care physicians are adept at using the ophthalmoscope, they can definitely take advantage of more advanced technologies.
Keywords: handheld scanner; microelectromechanical devices; optical coherence tomography.