Visualization of macular pathologies by rapid scanning retinal thickness analysis

Purpose: In vivo cross section imaging of the retina may be useful for identifying, monitoring and quantitatively assessing macular diseases. Our method, the scanning Retinal Thickness Analyzer (RTA), provides rapid, multiple and non-contact cross sectional imaging of the retina. We describe the application of the scanning RTA to visualize various macular pathologies. Methods: The scanning RTA is based on the principle of slit-lamp biomicroscopy. A laser slit is projected on the retina and scanned, in 400 msec, across 10 locations on the fundus. The image of the intersection of the laser slit with the retina is digitally recorded. A commercial prototype (Talia - OcuMetrics) was used to examine 33 eyes of 26 patients with the following macular diseases : macular holes (9 eyes), cystoid macular edema following central retinal vein occlusion (2 eyes), serous RPE detachments (1 eye), glaucoma (16 eyes), epiretinal membranes (1 eye) and diabetic macular edema (4 eyes). Results: In macular holes, different stages could be visualized and epiretinal membranes were revealed. In macular edema, the depth of the cysts inside the retina could be evaluated. The extent and the height of the RPE detachments were documented. In glaucoma, the anatomic course of localized loss of neuronal retinal tissue could be traced. Conclusion: The scanning RTA provided multiple optical cross sections of macular pathologies, in a time short enough to avoid eye movements. The optical cross sections yielded information directly useful for clinical management.

Duke Scholars

Author Sanjay Girdhari Asrani Ophthalmology, Glaucoma