Scheimpflug analysis and OCT as new and rapid screening tools in the mouse

Purpose The purpose of this study was the establishment of Scheimpflug imaging and Optical coherence tomography (OCT) in the Vision Screen of the German Mouse Clinic (GMC). Methods Mouse eyes were analyzed by Scheimpflug imaging, OCT, Slit lamp biomicroscopy, Funduscopy, and Histology. Results The GMC is a large scale phenotyping center where mouse models for human diseases are analyzed in a standardized way. More than 550 parameters are investigated by mouse researches and clinicians from various fields. The screens in the GMC are designated to 14 different areas including behaviour, neurology, energy metabolism as well as vision and eye development. In our attempt to optimize the Vision Screen, we tested the suitability of Scheimpflug imaging and OCT for high-throughput investigations of the mouse eye by evaluating data of the inbred lines C57BL/6J (B6) and C3HeB/FeJ (C3H). Both methods confirmed previous findings with well established Slit lamp biomicroscopy, Funduscopy, and Histology. Scheimpflug measurements with non-anaesthetized 13-week-old mice indicated transparent lenses with comparable background densities for both B6 and C3H. Pupil dilating with atropine was necessary to optimize lens imaging. Concerning OCT results, B-scan images of the C3H fundus proved pigment patches and vessel attenuations that are typical for this inbred line. Moreover, the underlying degeneration of retinal outer plexiform and nuclear layers was successfully visualized. Mouse handling was more time-consuming compared to Scheimpflug imaging. In particular, mice had to be anaesthetized and mouse eyes required a contact lens. Conclusion Our data demonstrate that Scheimpflug imaging and OCT represent suitable tools for rapid screening of lens density and fundus morphology in the mouse.