Ming Lu; Xiaoyue Yang; Jason E. Moore; Pingping Li; Adam W. Anderson; John C. Gore; Seth A. Smith; Xinqiang Yan (2026).听.听Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.聽Advance online publication.听
This study introduces a new wearable device鈥攄esigned like a pair of glasses鈥攖hat improves the quality of MRI scans of the eyes. MRI image quality is often described using the聽signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), which compares the useful signal (clear image information) to background noise; higher SNR means clearer, more detailed images. Imaging the eyes is particularly challenging, especially at very high magnetic field strengths (such as 7 Tesla), where maintaining good image quality across both the eyes and the brain can be difficult.
The researchers created lightweight, 3D-printed 鈥渞esonator glasses鈥� that contain small electronic components called聽LC loop resonators聽(circuits that can enhance MRI signal locally). These resonators work wirelessly by interacting with the existing MRI head coil, meaning no modifications to the scanner hardware are needed. The team tested the device in both lab setups (phantoms, which simulate human tissue) and real human scans. They found that the glasses significantly improved image clarity in the eye region鈥攂oosting SNR by up to three times鈥攚hile not reducing image quality in the rest of the brain.
Overall, this device offers a simple, low-cost way to enhance eye imaging during MRI scans without interfering with standard brain imaging. This could make it easier to study eye conditions or perform combined eye鈥揵rain imaging in clinical and research settings.
FIGURE 1
Circuit diagram (A) and CAD design (B) of the wireless resonator glasses.