Label-free in vivo molecular profiling of the human retina by non-resonant Raman spectroscopy

Early detection of retinal molecular biomarkers is crucial for addressing the unmet clinical need to prevent irreversible neural tissue damage in ophthalmic and neurodegenerative diseases. Among emerging molecular sensing techniques, non-resonant Raman spectroscopy stands out as a naturally label-free and noninvasive method, offering rich biochemical information. However, in vivo detection of non-resonant Raman spectra from retinal tissue has proven to be challenging so far. Previous studies have reported conflicting results, likely due to overwhelming pigment autofluorescence. In this study, we identified the optic nerve head as the optimal retinal location for acquiring non-resonant Raman spectra in the molecular fingerprint region. Through longitudinal intra-subject measurements, we revealed dynamic changes in the molecular composition. Furthermore, a comparative study across age groups enabled the identification of molecular alterations associated with aging. These findings establish a critical foundation for utilizing non-resonant Raman spectroscopy as an early diagnostic tool for the detection of molecular biomarkers associated with ophthalmic and neurodegenerative diseases.