Technical Specifications

OCT Imaging System

Core Technology:

• Methodology: Swept-Source OCT (SS-OCT)

• Light Source: Swept-source tunable laser with center wavelength between 1030-1070 nm

• Scan Speed: 200,000 A-scans per second (also available in 400,000 and 100,000 configurations depending on country registration)

Resolution & Depth:

• Axial Resolution: ≤ 5.5 μm in tissue

• Transverse Resolution: ≤ 15 μm in tissue

• A-scan Depth: 12.0 mm in tissue

Fundus Imaging System

• Methodology: Confocal Scanning Laser Ophthalmoscope (cSLO)

• Light Source: Super Luminescent Diode (SLD), 810-850 nm wavelength

Additional Modalities

• OCT Angiography (OCTA): Included for vascular imaging

• Biometry: Integrated biometric measurements for surgical planning

• Anterior Segment Imaging: Full anterior segment analysis capability

  

Key Technological Features

1. "All-in-One" Platform

The DREAM OCT consolidates multiple diagnostic functions into a single device:

• Posterior segment OCT imaging

• Anterior segment OCT

• OCTA (vascular imaging)

• Fundus photography via cSLO

• Biometric measurements for cataract surgery planning

This integration eliminates the need for multiple separate devices, streamlining workflow and reducing equipment costs.

2. Ultra-High Speed Imaging

At 200,000 A-scans per second (with options up to 400,000 A-scans/sec in some regions), the DREAM OCT offers:

• Reduced motion artifacts: Faster scanning minimizes eye movement during acquisition

• Higher density sampling: More data points create more detailed images

• Improved patient comfort: Shorter exam times reduce patient fatigue

• Better repeatability: Quick scans improve test-retest reliability

3. Deep Penetration with Swept-Source Technology

The 1030-1070 nm wavelength range offers significant advantages:

• Enhanced choroidal visualization: Longer wavelengths penetrate deeper through pigmented tissues

• Reduced light scattering: Better image quality in eyes with media opacities (cataracts, vitreous hemorrhage)

• Full-thickness retinal imaging: From internal limiting membrane to deep choroid in a single scan

• Myopia research applications: Essential for studying sclera and posterior pole changes

4. PAR (Precision Anterior-Posterior Ratio) Technology

The device features sophisticated optical correction algorithms:

• Distortion correction: Compensates for optical distortions in raw images

• Refraction correction: Accounts for light refraction through different ocular media

• Accurate biometry: Ensures precise measurements of axial length, corneal power, lens thickness, and anterior chamber depth

• Clinical precision: Critical for IOL (intraocular lens) power calculations in cataract surgery

5. Extended Imaging Depth

With 12.0 mm imaging depth in tissue, the system can capture:

• Complete anterior segment (cornea to lens)

• Full posterior segment (retina to deep choroid)

• Optic nerve head with surrounding structures

• "Whole eye" visualization in comprehensive scans

Clinical Applications

Posterior Segment Diseases:

• Age-related macular degeneration (AMD)

• Diabetic retinopathy and macular edema

• Glaucoma (retinal nerve fiber layer and ganglion cell analysis)

• Choroidal disorders (choroidal osteoma, as referenced in published literature)

• Myopia progression monitoring (particularly relevant given cited research on dietary fatty acids and myopia)

Anterior Segment Assessment:

• Corneal pathology and dystrophies

• Angle closure evaluation

• Post-refractive surgery monitoring

• Anterior chamber depth measurements

Surgical Planning:

• Cataract surgery biometry

• IOL power calculations

• Refractive surgery screening

• Glaucoma surgery planning

Vascular Imaging:

• OCT Angiography for diabetic retinopathy

• Macular telangiectasia

• Retinal vein occlusions

• Choroidal neovascularization in AMD

Research Applications

The device has been utilized in peer-reviewed research, including:

1. Choroidal Osteoma Study (Zhou et al., Frontiers in Oncology, 2021): Demonstrated the system's ability to visualize tumor vasculature using SS-OCTA, showing its utility in rare ocular tumors.

2. Myopia Research (Pan et al., PNAS, 2021): Used in groundbreaking research showing dietary omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids' protective effects against myopia, highlighting the device's research-grade imaging capabilities.

Competitive Advantages

Speed Comparison:

At 200,000-400,000 A-scans/second, DREAM OCT competes with high-end systems like:

• Zeiss PLEX Elite (up to 200,000 A-scans/sec)

• Topcon Triton (100,000 A-scans/sec)

• Heidelberg Spectralis (85,000 A-scans/sec with standard module)

Swept-Source Benefits Over Spectral-Domain OCT:

• Deeper penetration (essential for choroid imaging)

• Less sensitivity roll-off with depth

• Better performance through media opacities

• Faster scan speeds possible

• Superior for anterior segment imaging

Multimodal Integration:

Unlike single-purpose devices, the all-in-one design reduces:

• Equipment footprint in clinic

• Initial capital investment

• Staff training requirements

• Data management complexity

Limitations & Considerations

Regulatory Status:

• Not FDA approved for use in the United States

• Availability varies by country and regulatory approval status

Market Position:

• Relatively new entrant competing against established brands (Zeiss, Heidelberg, Topcon, Optovue)

• Limited clinical track record compared to legacy systems

• May require building service/support network in new markets

Technical Considerations:

• Swept-source systems generally more expensive than spectral-domain OCT

• Longer wavelength may provide less contrast for inner retinal layers compared to shorter wavelengths

• Requires regular maintenance and calibration like all precision optical instruments

Clinical Workflow Integration

Typical Use Case:

1. Patient positioning: Automated or manual alignment

2. Quick fundus preview: cSLO provides real-time imaging for targeting

3. Automated scanning: High-speed acquisition of volumetric data

4. PAR correction: Automatic post-processing for biometric accuracy

5. Multi-modal review: Clinician reviews OCT, OCTA, and fundus images in integrated software

6. Report generation: Comprehensive documentation for medical records

Time Efficiency:

• Single-device workflow eliminates patient movement between instruments

• High scan speeds reduce chair time

• Automated analysis speeds diagnosis

Future Outlook

Technology Trends:

• Increasing adoption of swept-source technology as prices decrease

• Growing demand for integrated, multimodal platforms

• AI integration for automated detection and analysis (likely future development)

• Telemedicine compatibility for remote reading

Market Opportunities:

• Practices seeking to consolidate equipment

• High-volume clinics needing speed and efficiency

• Research institutions requiring advanced imaging

• Emerging markets where space and budget are constrained

Conclusion

The DREAM OCT represents a sophisticated, multimodal imaging platform that addresses the modern ophthalmic practice's need for comprehensive, efficient diagnostics. Its swept-source technology, ultra-high speed, deep penetration, and all-in-one design position it as a competitive option for practices seeking to future-proof their imaging capabilities. However, its current limitation in FDA approval restricts immediate US market adoption. Once regulatory clearance is obtained, it has potential to compete effectively in the premium OCT segment, particularly for practices valuing workflow integration and whole-eye imaging capabilities.

The published research utilizing this device demonstrates its research-grade quality, while its technical specifications suggest it can meet the demanding requirements of both clinical practice and investigative ophthalmology. As the ophthalmic imaging market continues to evolve toward integrated, AI-enhanced platforms, the DREAM OCT's foundation positions it well for future software enhancements and expanded clinical applications.