Abstract
Purpose :
High-Resolution OCT (HR-OCT) imaging is a novel OCT technology from Heidelberg Engineering. The purpose of this study is to investigate MacTel with multimodal imaging to understand if increased resolution may point towards early structural changes in MacTel.
Methods :
Both eyes of 14 patients with MacTel (mean age 59.4 years) were examined with a series of imaging modalities including conventional SD-OCT, high-resolution OCT, and fluorescence lifetime imaging ophthalmoscopy (FLIO). The correct diagnosis of MacTel was confirmed by the Moorfields Reading Centre for each patient. An age-matched healthy control group was included. High resolution OCT imaging has an increased axial resolution of 3 μm compared to 7 μm on conventional SD-OCT. High resolution OCT images are obtained at a wavelength of 840 nm (compared to 880 nm on conventional SD-OCT) The reflectivity of different retinal layers on SD-OCT and high resolution OCT was compared with FLIO lifetimes.
Results :
Hyperreflectivity within the inner and outer plexiform layer was apparent on high resolution OCT images but were indistinct on conventional SD-OCT. These hyperreflectivities have sharp borders and seem to correlate with prolonged FLIO lifetimes observed in FLIO images.
Conclusions :
Eyes with MacTel show hyperreflectivities within the inner retinal layers, specifically the inner and outer plexiform layers. These hyperreflectivities appear to correlate with prolonged FLIO lifetimes. While changes could be related to vascular leakage, the loss of Müller cells is another theory which could explain this finding. Further research on inner retinal layers may aid in understanding these early structural changes in MacTel.
This abstract was presented at the 2023 ARVO Annual Meeting, held in New Orleans, LA, April 23-27, 2023.