Blind deconvolution for high-resolution confocal scanning laser ophthalmoscopy

We investigate the potential of image deconvolution techniques, either in combination or as a substitute for adaptive optics, in a high-resolution confocal scanning laser ophthalmoscope (SLO). After reviewing the validity of standard hypotheses and the a priori information, we implement two deconvolution algorithms to be applied to experimental retinal images recorded with our own high-resolution research SLO. Despite the important assumptions, standard non-iterative or iterative techniques can improve on images (subtending from 1 degrees to 5 degrees), although the best results were obtained when deconvolution techniques were used in combination with adaptive optics. Low signal-to-noise ratio and blurring caused by eye movements are the main limiting factors for deconvolution techniques in this application.