Fourier–Domain Optical Coherence Tomography Evaluation of the Macula Following Successful Macula–Off Retinal Detachment Repair

Abstract

Purpose: : To evaluate the macula using High–Resolution Fourier–domain Optical Coherence Tomography (Fd–OCT) after surgical repair of retinal detachments involving the macula.

Methods: : Ten patients who had undergone successful reattachment surgery for macula–off retinal detachment were evaluated at least six months after repair. The modalities utilized for evaluation included clinical examination, Stratus OCT and Fd–OCT. The Fd–OCT instrument used in this study was constructed at the UC Davis Medical Center and offers high axial resolution (4.5µm) and high acquisition speeds (10,000 A–scans/frame, 9 frames/second) and real time display at the same rate.

Results: : Fd–OCT revealed focal disruptions in the photoreceptor layer that were not clearly visible on Stratus OCT or clinical examination. More extensive disruption was found in patients with poor final visual acuities.

Conclusions: : Fd–OCT clearly shows photoreceptor abnormalities that are not apparent on standard OCT. These abnormalities may be associated with poorer final post–operative visual acuities. Future studies with a larger cohort of patients will determine whether these focal photoreceptor disruptions are a characteristic finding after macula–off retinal detachment repair.

Keywords: imaging methods (CT, FA, ICG, MRI, OCT, RTA, SLO, ultrasound) • retinal detachment