Abstract
Purpose :
To evaluate whether an investigational handheld ultra-widefield optical coherence tomography (UWF-OCT) can be used to document high-quality images of the peripheral retina for use in screening retinopathy of prematurity (ROP). Use of scleral depression during ROP exams is technically challenging, and increases the risk of causing pain, stress, and iatrogenic injury to premature neonates. Therefore, if feasible, minimizing the use of scleral depression would be an advantageous practice.
Methods :
Study participants were neonates treated at the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) in a single academic medical center. UWF-OCT without scleral depression utilizing an investigational contact-based 800-kHz, 140-degree field of view handheld OCT was used during regular ROP screening visits from January 2nd, 2023, to November 1st, 2023. The peripheral retina was imaged to perform ROP diagnosis and classification and assess for adequate visualization up to the ora serrata.
Results :
503 exams were performed on 53 neonates with this system and images were able to clearly demonstrate the ora serrata, and even in some cases the ciliary body at the peripheral retina (Figure). Images of assorted ROP stages were acquired using the UWF-OCT without the use of scleral depression.
Conclusions :
It is possible for UWF-OCT to image the ora serrata, and even the ciliary body in neonates receiving ROP screenings without the need for scleral depression. In the future, such devices may facilitate reducing technical challenges in telemedicine programs of capturing the entire peripheral retina. Further, reducing the use of scleral depression may reduce pain and stress for delicate neonates. Finally, adaptation of this system for older children and adults, may allow unprecedented peripheral imaging of the whole retina.
This abstract was presented at the 2024 ARVO Annual Meeting, held in Seattle, WA, May 5-9, 2024.