# True Sub-Micron Ocular Diagnostics with Visible Light Optical Coherence Tomography

> **NIH NIH R01** · UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA AT DAVIS · 2020 · $93,038

## Abstract

Abstract:
Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) has greatly advanced the diagnosis and management of many retinal
diseases by enabling volumetric structural imaging of the retina. Usually, retinal OCT is performed at near-
infrared (NIR) wavelengths, limiting both axial resolution and contrast for molecules that play a role in vision.
Though NIR OCT defines biomarkers that quantify progression of dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD),
NIR OCT cannot yet delineate the finest structural and functional changes that define incipient AMD, or predict
geographic atrophy, an end stage of AMD. Visible light OCT holds the promise of unprecedented axial resolution
and molecular contrast, but visible light OCT systems to date have not delivered on this promise.
Recently, our group identified numerous technical barriers, some unknown to the community, in visible light OCT.
With our innovative solutions, we can now directly image and individually quantify Bruch’s membrane, the retinal
pigment epithelium (RPE), and fine photoreceptor layers in morphologically normal retina without clinically
detectable pathology, at a level of detail not attained by NIR OCT systems. These imaging capabilities are
further enhanced by quantitative molecular information provided by visible light.
In this proposal, we will develop fiber-based visible light OCT instrumentation and protocols to assess sub-micron
changes with aging and macular degeneration in human eyes. Employing a range of in vitro and in vivo studies
in rodents and humans, we propose to validate protocols that topographically measure the outer retina, RPE,
and BM morphology, photopigment and melanin density, and photoreceptor function. We will validate and test
the reproducibility of these structural and functional measurements, and apply them to study age-related changes
in a cross-section of normal subjects. Finally, we will perform pilot clinical imaging studies to firstly, compare
aging to early AMD, and secondly, identify candidate early biomarkers for progression of drusen to atrophy. If
successful, this proposal will lay the groundwork for more extended longitudinal studies to study AMD
progression in the human retina, and incorporation of new biomarkers into clinical trials.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10058787
- **Project number:** 1R01EY031469-01A1
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA AT DAVIS
- **Principal Investigator:** Vivek Jay Srinivasan
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $93,038
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 2020-08-01 → 2020-10-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10058787

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10058787, True Sub-Micron Ocular Diagnostics with Visible Light Optical Coherence Tomography (1R01EY031469-01A1). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10058787. Licensed CC0.

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