In vivo cellular-resolution retinal imaging in infants and children using an ultracompact handheld probe

A handheld probe enables retinal imaging in children. Enabled by adaptive optics, retinal photoreceptor cell imaging is changing our understanding of retinal structure1,2 and function3,4, as well as the pathogenesis of numerous ocular diseases5. To date, use of this technology has been limited to cooperative adult subjects due to the size, weight and inconvenience of the equipment, thus excluding study of retinal maturation during human development. Here, we report the design and operation of a handheld probe that can perform both scanning laser ophthalmoscopy and optical coherence tomography of the parafoveal photoreceptor structure in infants and children without the need for adaptive optics. The probe, featuring a compact optical design weighing only 94 g, was able to quantify packing densities of parafoveal cone photoreceptors and visualize cross-sectional photoreceptor substructure in children with ages ranging from 14 months to 12 years. The probe will benefit paediatric research by improving the understanding of retinal development, maldevelopment and early onset of disease during human growth.