Abstract
Abstract: :
Purpose:Scanning Laser Ophthalmoscope (SLO) Microperimetry is a reliable and accurate technique to assess localized scotomata. However, in many cases SLO or fundus photography cannot provide enough information about the underlying cause for the scotoma. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) provides high resolution cross sectional images of the retina. Many pathologies associated with scotomata are located under the retinal surface. Therefore OCT has the potential to detect even small morphological changes under the retinal surface, not seen by SLO or fundus photography. In our study we tested the relationship between localized scotomata assessed with SLO Microperimetry and retinal findings in OCT. Methods:22 Patients with previously detected scotomata were included in the study. The clinical diagnoses of our study population could be divided into 5 categories: age related macular degeneration, choroidal neovascularisation (CNV), retinal inflammatory diseases, optic nerve head diseases and macular hole. All patients underwent an SLO Microperimetry examination, which revealed at least one area of scotoma. All patients also underwent an OCT examination with high–resolution line scans, centered on the areas of scotoma. Results:In all patients OCT revealed a retinal pathology that could explain the area of scotoma assessed with SLO Microperimetry. These included dystrophic RPE changes, retinal edema, in 3 cases combined with cystic changes, epiretinal membranes, RPE detachments, CNV’s, choroidal scars, neurosensory detachments, areas of localized retinal atrophy, RNFL bundle defects, macular holes, and one idiopathic intraretinal deposit. The extent of the lesions matched very closely with the extent of the areas of scotoma assessed with SLO Microperimetry. Conclusion:Our study showed a close relationship between SLO Microperimetry results and OCT findings in patients with different retinal diseases. Combining retinal functional testing with SLO Microperimetry and morphological testing with OCT can provide more information about the underlying causes of scotomata than does SLO Microperimetry testing alone.
Keywords: imaging methods (CT, FA, ICG, MRI, OCT, RTA, SLO, ultrasound) • macula/fovea • imaging/image analysis: clinical