High loop rate adaptive optics flood illumination ophthalmoscope with structured illumination capability.

The design and performance of an adaptive optics flood illumination ophthalmoscope (AO-FIO) platform, based on eye motion and dynamic aberrations experimental analysis, are described. The system incorporates a custom-built real-time controller, enabling up to 70 Hz loop rate without jitter, and an AO-corrected illumination capable of projecting high-resolution features in the retina. Wide-field (2.7°×5.4°) and distortionless images from vessel walls, capillaries, and the lamina cribrosa are obtained with an enhanced contrast and signal-to-noise ratio, thanks to careful control of AO parameters. The high spatial and temporal resolution (image acquisition up to 200 Hz) performance achieved by this platform enables the visualization of vessel deformation and blood flow. This system opens up the prospect of a return to favor of flood illumination adaptive optics systems provided that its high pixel rate and structured illumination capabilities are exploited.