WIDE-FIELD INFRARED IMAGING: A Descriptive Review of Characteristics of Retinoschisis, Retinal Detachment, and Schisis Detachments

Abstract

Purpose: Retinoschisis and retinal detachments are primarily differentiated based on characteristic examination findings. In diagnostically challenging cases, noncontact wide-field infrared imaging can help diagnosis and visualize the extent/margins of retinoschisis, retinal detachment, or combined schisis detachments by comparing reflectivity patterns.

Methods: This is a retrospective, observational, descriptive case series of 14 eyes of 14 nonconsecutive patients, ranging from 28 to 89 years old (mean 61), diagnosed with retinoschisis, retinal detachment, or schisis detachment from May 5, 2014 to March 4, 2015. Patients with secondary retinoschisis and/or retinal detachment from other causes were not included in the study. Heidelberg Wide-Field Module lens and Heidelberg Spectralis HRA+OCT machine (Heidelberg Engineering, Heidelberg, Germany) were used to obtain noncontact, wide-field infrared images on each study eye.

Results: Seven eyes with retinal detachments, four with retinoschises, and three with schisis detachments were imaged using this novel wide-field infrared technique. Retinoschisis appears light and translucent with prominent vasculature, retinal detachments appear dark and opaque, and combined retinoschisis/retinal detachment exhibit mixed reflectivity patterns.

Conclusion: Wide-field infrared imaging provides a quick, noncontact, noninvasive method to accurately diagnose and to monitor for progression of retinoschisis, retinal detachment, or combined schisis detachments.