Progress on Quantitative Analysis for OCT Angiography

The light-sensing portion of the human eye, called the retina, is a highly complex structure that is nourished by several layers of small blood vessels. Diseases that lead to blindness, including Diabetic Retinopathy (which affects approximately one third of people with diabetes), often damage this network of blood circulation, causing changes to manifest in specific regions within the retina. Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography (OCT-A) is a relatively novel technology which can be used to visualize the retinal microcirculation in three dimensions. However, current tools lack the ability to reliably measure and quantify variations of blood flow speeds. This project will support the development of new software tools that, in combination with a prototype OCT-A machine, may facilitate an investigation of how the human body distributes blood within the retina. Understanding this critical mechanism through quantifiable visualization will help researchers understand how diseases like Diabetic Retinopathy progress, thus aiding in the treatment and prevention of vision loss.

Faculty Supervisor:

Marinko Sarunic

Student:

Arman Athwal

Partner:

Eye Research Technologies Pty Ltd

Discipline:

Engineering - other

Sector:

Education

University:

Simon Fraser University