Optoacoustic imaging for optimization of laser cyclophotocoagulation

Optoacoustic imaging was used for ophthalmic imaging, especially of the ciliary body region, which is of interest in the treatment of glaucoma. The different tissue structures below the sclera of porcine and rabbit eyes in vitro could be differentiated up to a depth of more than 1.5 mm. Based on the optoacoustic signals, two-dimensional tomographic images could be generated for visualization of this region in a B-scan mode. In addition, changes during the coagulation process could be measured in real time, allowing the development of online control mechanisms for cyclophotocoagulation, which is an important therapy of glaucoma. © 2003 Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers.