Purpose. This thesis describes the design and testing of a confocal scanning laser ophthalmoscope that includes adaptive optics, with a particular emphasis on axial resolution. Methods and results . The thesis is divided into four chapters. Chapter I introduces SLOs, their applications, and the theory behind the imaging. In chapter II, the Adaptive Optics Scanning Laser Ophthalmoscope (AOSLO) is developed. In the AOSLO, a Shack-Hartmann wavefront sensor measures the wavefront of the eye and a deformable mirror corrects the eye's aberrations. The project is described from concept through computer-aided design and optical engineering. In chapter III, by using data from real eyes and constructing a computer model for 16 subjects aged 20--35, a research project is undertaken to answer the question: What is the optimal pupil size in the human eye for axial resolution? With the visual modeling system developed, it is possible to find a subject's unique optimal pupil size for either resolution type. Chapter IV quantifies performance of the AOSLO by calculations of expected axial resolution and measuring axial resolution. The AOSLO performance is demonstrated by comparing predicted axial resolution with actual axial resolution. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)
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