Dataset Information

The Influence of Cataract on Fluorescence Lifetime Imaging Ophthalmoscopy (FLIO).

ABSTRACT:

Purpose

To investigate the influence of lens opacifications on fluorescence lifetime imaging ophthalmoscopy (FLIO).

Methods

Forty-seven eyes of 45 patients were included. Mean fluorescence lifetimes (Tm) were recorded with a fluorescence lifetime imaging ophthalmoscope in a short spectral channel (SSC) and a long spectral channel (LSC). Retinal and lens autofluorescence lifetimes were measured in subjects before and after cataract surgery. Lens opacification was graded using the Lens Opacities Classification System III (LOCS III) classification.

Results

The retinal Tm decreased significantly after cataract surgery in both spectral channels (SSC: -53%, P < 0.0001; LSC: -26%, P = 0.0041). The lens Tm differed significantly between the crystalline and the artificial lens in both spectral channels (P < 0.0001). The "nuclear opacity" and "nuclear color" score of the LOCS III classification correlated significantly with the mean Tm difference in both spectral channels (P < 0.0001).

Conclusions

Lens opacification results in significantly longer retinal Tm. Therefore the lens status has to be considered when performing cross-sectional fluorescence lifetime analysis. Cataract-formation and cataract-surgery needs to be considered when conducting longitudinal studies. Grading of nuclear opacity following the LOCS III classification provides an approximate conversion formula for the mean change of lifetimes, which can be helpful in the interpretation of data in patients with lens opacities.

Translational relevance

FLIO is significantly influenced by lens opacities. Using a lens opacity grading scheme and measuring fluorescence lifetimes before and after cataract surgery, an approximative conversion formula can be calculated, which enables the comparison of lifetimes after cataract surgery or over the course of time.

SUBMITTER: Lincke JB

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8088233 | biostudies-literature |

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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Project description:Fluorescence lifetime imaging ophthalmoscopy (FLIO) is a novel technique that measures in vivo autofluorescence intensity decay over time of endogenous fluorophores in the retina. The Heidelberg Engineering FLIO system was used to obtain two 30 degree scans centered on the fovea of both eyes. The FLIO system uses a 473nm blue scanning laser light source and the emitted fluorescence is detected in two wavelengths channels, short and long spectral channels (SSC, LSC). Since the mydriatic status influence the FLIO result, the impact of mydriasis on FLIO need to be clarified. In this prospective, observational study, the impact of mydriasis on measurements from fluorescence lifetime imaging ophthalmoscope (FLIO) images in normal subjects were evaluated. 12 healthy participants (24 eyes) were volunteered and all subjects were scanned twice and the mean fluorescence lifetime (?m) values were computed with dilation and without dilation on different days. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) and coefficients of variation (CV) were calculated from the measured ?m in dilated, nondilated and between the dilated and non-dilated setting. Test duration was also compared and correlated with lifetimes in both settings. Repeatability was excellent for both the dilation and non-dilation settings (ICC; 0.967-0.996; 0.926-0.986, respectively). The agreement between the dilation and non-dilation settings, however, were lower (ICC; 0.688-0.970). The ?m in the non-dilation setting was significantly longer than in the dilation setting for the SSC (P<0.05). The FLIO test duration in the non-dilation setting was significantly longer than with dilation for the SSC (P <0.05). Although good repeatability in ?m measurements between imaging sessions were observed both with and without dilation, the agreement was not as good when comparing dilated with non-dilated measurements. Since FLIO without mydriasis results in longer ?m in the SSC and takes a longer time for image acquisition, maximal dilation is recommended for FLIO testing.