Ultra-Wide Field Retinal Imaging and Angiography in the Differential Diagnosis and Therapeutic Decisions in Vascular Diseases of the Peripheral Retina

Abstract

Investigation of vascular diseases of the peripheral retina requires imaging procedures that allow a comprehensive view of the periphery, as well as reproducible pictures. In particular, ultra-wide field fluorescence angiography facilitates diagnosis, therapeutic decisions and follow-up examinations. While vasculopathies such as Coats disease and familiar exudative vitreoretinopathy are diagnosed within the first and second decade of life, patients' compliance during fundus imaging is typically reduced within this age range. Compared to the repeated imaging procedures for composite formation, ultra-wide field imaging has significantly reduced recording time. Nevertheless, current imaging systems are not able to map the entire retina in scaled proportions. Therefore, the imaging frame must be guided by patients' gaze onto the affected retinal area. Moreover, the medical photographer must be aware of the clinical setting and the region of interest. Hence, previous detailed funduscopy by trained ophthalmologists will remain indispensable.