The United States of America As Represented by the Department of Health

The United States of America

The Governmemt of the United States of America

Marwood N Ediger

Anthony J Durkin

Vivian M Chenault

Laurence Grossman

L Stephanie Matchette

The invention provides methods for the use of Raman spectroscopy to non-invasively detect molecular characteristics of the constituents of the aqueous humor, vitreous humor, lens or retina. The method can be employed for the detection of molecular changes underlying ocular pathologies. In one embodiment of the invention, the method involves the steps of introducing light into the eye of the subject using a laser; collecting Raman spectra emitted from the eye; dispersing the collected Raman spectra onto a detector; and analyzing detected Raman spectral data to identify a molecular change related to an ocular pathology. The non-invasive method provided by the invention makes use of techniques and equipment that enable detection of Raman spectra with light intensities that fall within acceptable safety standards.

Method for non-invasive identification of individuals at risk for diabetes

A probe for the characterization of optical properties, including scattering and absorption properties of a sample, such as medical and industrial samples, includes an illumination fiber to radiate light toward an object and at least two collection fibers to receive light diffusely reflected from the object. At least two of the collection fibers are spaced at different distances from the illumination fiber. A region of the sample is illuminated with light from the illumination fiber. A portion of the light is diffusely reflected by the region. A portion of the diffusely reflected light is received by the two or more collection fibers. The region is characterized based on an amount of light received by each of the collection fibers. When the method is used for medical purposes, the characterization of the region may be used to make a diagnosis.

Optical fiber probe and methods for measuring optical properties

A method and apparatus for evaluating optical elements which utilizes reflected images. The method allows determination of the optical effects contributed by individual surfaces of a single optical alone or in a multiple element optical system. The method is particularly useful for evaluating corneas after transplant, grafting and reshaping procedures.

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Vienna, VA, United States of America

Marwood N Ediger