OPTICAL SENSORS FOR CLINICAL OCULAR FLUOROMETRY

The subject of Clinical Ocular Fluorometry is reviewed. The initial ch apters deal with the basic principles of ocular fluorometry and review the most recent efforts on harmonization and standardization of the v arious techniques available. The techniques and applications of ocular fluorometry using fluorescein as an exogenous tracer and the techniqu es and applications of ocular fluorometry looking at the natural fluor escence of ocular tissues are reviewed extensively, with special empha sis being given to their interpretation and present and potential clin ical applications. Finally, new developments in optical sensor systems and future directions for clinical ocular fluorometry are analyzed. R ecent developments in new optical sensors for fluorometry offer much p romise. Topographic imaging vitreous fluorometry is expected to clarif y the relationship between the alteration of the blood-retinal barrier and the development of retinal lesions. New sensor systems for noninv asive measurement of naturally occurring fluorophores in the cornea, l ens and retina are expected to contribute to such clinically important areas as diabetic ocular complications, measurement of cataract forma tion and characterization of retinal degenerations. The transfer to ro utine clinical practice of ocular fluorometry, using fluorescein as th e tracer, is considered to depend on simpler and easily available inst rumentation together with the adoption of methodologies avoiding blood sampling and involving oral administration of fluorescein. Copyright (C) 1997 Elsevier Science Ltd.