Patent ID: 6478424
Filing Date: 2002-11-12
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
A system for imaging reflectance changes, intrinsic or extrinsic fluorescence changes of a retina due to normal stimulated retinal function, comprising:an imaging illuminator for illumination of the retina; a retina-stimulating illuminator for inducing an optically detectable functional response signal; an imaging device receiving light from the retina via retinal imaging optics; image acquisition means for digitizing and storing images received from said imaging device, and computer means for controlling the operation of the system and for processing said stored images to reveal a differential optically detectable functional response signal corresponding to the retina's function; characterized in that: said imaging illuminator includes means for illuminating at least a major portion of the retina during at least one selected period of time by selected wavelengths of visible and/or infra-red light; said illuminator transmits visible light onto said major portion of the retina and said computer means commences operation of the imaging illuminator prior to activation of the retina-stimulating illuminator for a selected period of time, to enable recording of at least two images representing, by their differences, functional changes in the retina due to its illumination by visible light.