Optical Coherent Tomography in Age-related Macular Degeneration

Overview

Introduction:
Optic coherent tomography (OCT) is a new non-contact and non-in-vasive diagnostic method which visualizes biological tissues in their transversesection, similarly as ultrasound examination. It uses however infrared radiationand during examination of the posterior pole of the eye it has a greater differen-tiating capacity.The objective of the paper is to compare biomicroscopic OCT and angiographicfindings in different forms and developmental stages of age-related maculardegeneration (ARMD), to evaluate the asset of OCT for classification and therapyof ARMD.Patients and methods: The authors examined 183 patients (266 eyes) with ARMDin different developmental stages. The clinical diagnosis of ARMDwasestablishedby biomicroscopic and/or angiographic examination with fluorescein.Results: In the majority of patients the different manifestations of ARMD wereassociated, and the OCT findings were polymorphous. OCT defined more accura-tely the site and character of changes in the retina and adjacent structures, madeit possible to assess objectively the thickness of the retina and surroundingstructures and to detect the presence of fluid and/or newly formed intra-andsubretinal tissue and tissue benewath the RPE. The CNVM classification, intro-duced by fluorescent angiography differentiating classical and occult forms didnot have an accurate correlate in the OCT image in our group of patientsConclusion: OCT is in the diagnosis and follow up of the development of ARMDa suitable supplement of commonly used methods. It provides information onspatial relations of pathologically altered tissues. Visualization of the retina on the section is particularly valuable when evaluating the results of laser or surgicaltreatment.

Key words:
optical coherent tomography, age related macular degeneration, retinal pigment epithelium