Localized Photoreceptor Ablation Using Femtosecond Pulses Focused With Adaptive Optics

• DOI: 10.1167/tvst.9.7.16
• Publication Date: 2020-06-16T14:32:16Z
• Authors: Kamal R. Dhakal; Sarah Walters; Juliette E. McGregor; Christina Schwarz; Jennifer M. Straz...; Ebrahim Aboualizadeh; Brittany Bateman; Krystel R. Huxlin; Jennifer J. Hunter; David R. Williams; William H. Merigan
• Keywords: Scanning laser ophthalmoscopy

Purpose: The development of new approaches to human vision restoration could be greatly accelerated with the use nonhuman primate models; however, there is a paucity models outer retina degeneration good spatial localization. To limit ablation photoreceptors, we developed approach that uses near-infrared ultrafast laser, focused using adaptive optics, concentrate light in small focal volume within retina. Methods: In eyes eight anesthetized macaques, 187 locations were exposed laser powers from 50 210 mW. Laser exposure monitored for up 18 months fluorescein angiography (FA), optical coherence tomography (OCT), scanning ophthalmoscopy (SLO), optics ophthalmoscope (AOSLO) reflectance imaging, two-photon excited fluorescence (TPEF) ophthalmoscopy, histology, and calcium responses retinal ganglion cells. Results: This method produced localized photoreceptor loss minimal axial spread damage other layers, verified by in-vivo structural imaging histologic examination, although some cases evidence altered autofluorescence was found adjacent pigment epithelium (RPE). Functional assessment blood flow plexus response cells above shows inner circuitry preserved. Conclusions: Although different genetic model degeneration, this may provide useful testbed studies primates. Translational Relevance: With model, variety methods can tested non-human primate.