Abstract
Purpose: :
The purpose of our research was to describe a new method for funduscopic photography and fluorescein angiography analisis in normal or diseased retina of pediatric patients that would produce the illusion of depth with optical quality and field coverage using the RetCam II (Clarity Medical Systems, Inc.).
Methods: :
Under topical anesthesia during a routine ophthalmic exploration , a series of photographs are taken with the handheld 130º lens in the same position used for monocular fundus photography, then the lens is shifted, first to the left and then to the right of the central position. The same lens shifting techniques are used for angiography. The time interval between the stereophotos during angiography is an important factor, because the dye is moving and changing throughout the study. Two separate images are printed side-by-side. Then we used the mirror stereoscope which using positive curvature (magnifying) lenses, changes the focus point of the image from its short distance (about 30 to 40 cm) to a virtual distance at infinity.
Results: :
We used this technique in 20 eyes of 10 patients, we included 2 eyes with ocular tumors and 8 patients with stage 2 or 3 retinopathy of prematurity. Eight trained retinologisth ad access to the images, all of them agreed that the stereophotographs and angiograms presented the illusion of depth usingth standard focusing technique with the stereoscope.
Conclusions: :
Fundus documentation enhanced follow-up and teaching. Fundus stereophotography is not a substitute for a comprehensive ophthalmic examination, but this technique drive us closer to a remote interpretation of digital fundus images as a useful adjunct to conventional bedside retina screening in pediatric patients by indirect ophthalmoscopy.
Keywords: retinopathy of prematurity • tumors • imaging/image analysis: non-clinical