Visualization of cystoid macular oedema using a scanning laser ophthalmoscope in the retro-mode

Abstract

Purpose: To investigate cystoid macular oedema using a scanning laser ophthalmoscope.

Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 101 eyes with cystoid macular oedema because of various aetiologies. All eyes were examined with a new, commercially available scanning laser ophthalmoscope in the retro-mode with an infrared laser.

Results: In all eyes, scanning laser ophthalmoscope in the retro-mode showed numerous oval or polygonal cystoid spaces. Most eyes showed a large cystoid space beneath the fovea, with surrounding small cystoid spaces. The area of the foveal cystoid space showed a correlation with its height, as measured with optical coherence tomography (R = 0.60, P < 0.0001). Visual acuity, however, did not show any correlation with either the area of the foveal cystoid space or area of all of the cystoid spaces in the macular area.

Conclusion: Scanning laser ophthalmoscope in the retro-mode can show each cystoid space located in any layer of the retina and allows us to detect the extent of cystoid macular oedema.