Abstract
Purpose: :
En-face optical coherence tomography (OCT) provides a high resolution, transversal OCT image of the macular area. Application of this approach in routine clinical practice is relatively new and its clinical interpretation along with other traditional imaging scanning methods is being studied. The purpose of this study was to use this approach to evaluate different retinal diseases.
Methods: :
En-face OCT imaging approach involves scanning in the XY plane, and combines high-resolution tomographic images with imaging capability of the scanning laser ophthalmoscope (SLO). Twenty eight eyes of 28 patients with macular diseases were assessed using en face imaging approach and standard scanning protocols through the macula.
Results: :
This approach offers high-precision visualization of macular diseases at all structural levels. It allows identification of tractive forces of epiretinal membranes, and changes within the inner limiting membrane. Intraretinal diseases are identified by their specific location in different layers of the neurosensory ultrastructure. Drusen contour are clearly delineated in configuration and size, with a characteristic peak at level and below the RPE area. The microarchitecture of choroidal vessels are distinctly imaged and related leakage can be identified in diseases such as AMD.
Conclusions: :
En-face Fourier Domain OCT imaging approach provides a better overview of the whole area of interest, allowing identification of microstructural information, focal changes as well as their distribution throughout the scanned area not available with standard scans. It also allows identifications subclinical changes, which may be early markers for the progression of the disease, such as in AMD.
Keywords: imaging methods (CT, FA, ICG, MRI, OCT, RTA, SLO, ultrasound) • retina • imaging/image analysis: clinical