Baseline imaging reveals preexisting retinal abnormalities in mice

Abstract

Confocal scanning laser ophthalmoscopy (SLO) and spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (OCT) are imaging modalities that have become increasingly popular among vision research groups worldwide. These devices are becoming easier to use and permit repeated in vivo imaging of intraocular tissues in small animal. We recently initiated baseline fundus imaging of all mice before their use in experimental studies. Here, we report that there are a substantial proportion of supposedly normal mice that have abnormal retinal morphology when evaluated with SLO and OCT. Our findings strongly indicate that mice should be prescreened with these imaging modalities before being used for experimental studies. © 2012 Springer Science+Business Media, LLC.