EP1761171A2 — Method of evaluating metabolism of the eye

USPTO Abstract

A method and apparatus for measuring the retinal auto-fluorescence of a subject retina includes an excitation light source for providing an excitation light at a wavelength of at least 450nm and an image capture device for recording an ocular auto-fluorescence signal generated in response to the excitation light. The image capture device includes a filter for reducing background non-signal wavelengths from the ocular auto-fluorescence signal and an image intensifier for increasing the ocular auto-fluorescence signal strength. The method and apparatus may further include a processor that analyzes the auto-fluorescence signal to determine a contrast change or pattern to thereby detect retinal disease or damage. The processor may compare the images with control images, past images of the same eye or other diagnostic modalities such as fundus photography, angiography, or visual field testing to detect the retinal disease or damage.