Phase diversity improves retinal image quality in adaptive optics scanning light ophthalmoscopy

Biomedical Optics Express 2026 Open access

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Authors: Y Cai, Eryk Druszkiewicz, Sara S. Patterson, Keith Parkins, Juliette E. McGregor, William H. Merigan, James R. Fienup, David R. Williams
DOI: 10.1364/boe.587075
Cited by: 1
References: 38

Abstract

The quality of retinal images is compromised by aberrations that remain uncorrected even in confocal adaptive optics imaging. This study demonstrates phase diversity (PD), a computational imaging technique, to address residual aberrations and enhance image quality in adaptive optics scanning laser ophthalmoscopy (AOSLO). By using images of the same object obtained with and without deliberately added aberrations, PD computes and compensates for the effects of existing residual aberrations beyond those corrected by a closed-loop AO system. Experimental validation demonstrates that PD improves visualization of retinal microstructures, including cone mosaics and dendrites of fluorescently labeled retinal ganglion cells (RGCs).

Fields of Study & Subjects

Ophthalmology and Visual Impairment Studies Optical Coherence Tomography Applications Digital Holography and Microscopy

Publication details

Journal / source
Biomedical Optics Express
Publisher
Optica Publishing Group
Volume
17
Issue
4
Pages
1767–1767
Publication date
4 March 2026
Language
EN