Key research themes
1. How do algorithmic and methodological advances improve contrast and quantification in OCT-angiography for microvascular imaging?
This theme focuses on the evolution and comparison of computational algorithms and acquisition methods that enhance OCTA's visualization of vascular networks, contrast mechanisms, and quantitative metrics. It aims to optimize image quality, reduce artifacts, and enable more precise and reproducible measurement of microvascular structures. Advancements in signal processing and scanning protocols are critical to translating OCTA from a qualitative tool to a quantitative imaging modality across clinical applications.
2. What are the clinical applications and interpretative challenges of OCT angiography in ocular vascular diseases, especially in the retina?
This theme encompasses clinical utilization of OCTA in diagnosing, monitoring, and understanding retinal vascular diseases such as diabetic retinopathy, age-related macular degeneration, macular telangiectasia, and others. It explores the comparative advantages over fluorescein angiography, the use of quantitative vascular parameters, the identification of microvascular anomalies, and the challenges including artifacts, limited field-of-view, device variability, and detection sensitivity. These insights inform more precise, non-invasive vascular assessments in ophthalmology.
3. How is swept-source OCT angiography technology advancing towards wider field of view and deeper choriocapillaris imaging in ocular applications?
This theme addresses technological advances in swept-source OCT angiography (SS-OCTA) that leverage higher A-scan rates, longer wavelength light sources, and new denoising algorithms to extend imaging depth and enlarge the field of view. These developments enable high-resolution visualization of deeper choroidal capillary networks, facilitate quantification of flow voids in health and disease, and produce ultra-widefield angiograms approaching those of dye-based methods. This progression is pivotal for comprehensive assessment of peripheral and choroidal pathology in ophthalmology.