Technologies used in the Eye Screen

Using the Pentacam system (Oculus GmbH, Wetzlar), high-resolution images of the cornea and lens are captured. Lens opacification is quantified using specialized densitometry tools.

The Spectralis OCT system (Heidelberg Engineering, Heidelberg) provides highly detailed imaging of the eye's fundus and retinal layers, enabling precise observation of the development of retinal blood vessels and structural layers. Given the small size of the mouse eye, the system can also image the anterior segment, capturing detailed views of the corneal layers as well as the lens cortex and nucleus. Retinal thickness is measured accurately using the system's advanced software, ensuring precise quantitative assessments.

The ACMaster system (Carl Zeiss Meditec, Jena) employs optical low-coherence interferometry (OLCI) optimized for mouse eye dimensions. Ocular biometry is a highly accurate non-invasive technique which enables precise measurements of ocular compartment dimensions, including corneal thickness, anterior chamber depth, lens thickness, and total axial eye length.

The Mouse OptoDrum System (Striatech, Tübingen, Germany) utilizes a rotating stripe pattern to trigger the optomotor reflex, a natural response where mice stabilize their visual environment by following motion with their head-tracking. This allows for an accurate assessment of visual acuity and contrast sensitivity.

We use Celeris system (Diagnosys LLC), to evaluate retinal and cortical visual function. Tests include Full-field ERG, Pattern-ERG for ganglion cell activity, VEP for cortical response measurement. Dark adaptation and precise electrode placement ensure accurate recordings.

Morphological analysis involves fixing eyes in Davidson's solution or 4% PFA, sectioning them into 2 µm transverse slices, and staining with H&E. This method provides detailed insights into the cellular and tissue-level organization of the eye, enabling the identification of structural changes and pathological conditions. Such analysis is essential for understanding disease mechanisms, correlating structural alterations with functional outcomes, and evaluating therapeutic effects. Additionally, immunohistochemistry can be performed to address project-specific interests or to investigate relevant markers of eye development.