Abstract: The subject invention provides novel apparatuses and methods for assessing the structure and function of photoreceptors in retina. In a specific embodiment, the assessment is accomplished by imaging rhodopsin, pigmented protein responsible for initiating vision acquisition of the eye, in living subjects. Advantageously, the technologies provided herein can be used for clinical evaluation of retinal photoreceptors for diagnosis, disease staging and follow-up, and outcome measurement for clinical trials of retinal degenerative disorders, including, for example, hereditary retinal degeneration and age-related macular degeneration.

Abstract: Imaging systems and methods of using the same are provided for monitoring the quantity of fluorescent pigment, for example lipofuscin, in the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) layer of a retina in vivo. Various imaging modalities can be integrated into a single system and excited by a single broadband light source for the monitoring of the fluorescent pigment. The influence of varying optical properties found in the optical path of the pigment's auto-fluorescence between the RPE and an image receiver can be corrected.

Abstract: The subject invention provides novel apparatuses and methods for assessing the structure and function of photoreceptors in retina. In a specific embodiment, the assessment is accomplished by imaging rhodopsin, pigmented protein responsible for initiating vision acquisition of the eye, in living subjects. Advantageously, the technologies provided herein can be used for clinical evaluation of retinal photoreceptors for diagnosis, disease staging and follow-up, and outcome measurement for clinical trials of retinal degenerative disorders, including, for example, hereditary retinal degeneration and age-related macular degeneration.