Enhancing mouse fundus imaging with OCT embedding medium: Prolonging imaging duration and improving image quality.

Abstract

Fundus diseases are common and serious ophthalmic conditions, including macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, and others, which can lead to severe vision loss. Mice, widely used as experimental animal models, play a crucial role in ophthalmic disease research. However, existing mouse fundus imaging techniques encounter several challenges during prolonged, high-precision imaging, such as corneal whitening, poor optical quality, and motion artifacts. In this study, we propose an innovative method based on an OCT embedding medium that, when applied to the mouse corneal surface, improves the alignment between the eye and the OCT lens. This method effectively reduces stray light (flare)and motion artifacts while slowing corneal dehydration. It significantly enhances the quality of mouse fundus imaging and extends imaging duration, particularly in the age-related macular degeneration (AMD) mouse model, where it improves retinal blood vessel visualization. This approach provides a novel technical solution for ophthalmic research and holds potential for clinical applications.