Fundus fluorescein angiography imaging of retinopathy of prematurity in infants: A review

Abstract

Fluorescein angiography in retinopathy of prematurity is increasingly utilized over the past decade. The development of ultra-wide-field imaging combined with fluorescein angiography has allowed improved visualization of the peripheral retinal vasculature. Patient cooperation in the pediatric population is particularly challenging, but hand-held digital retinal photography has shown promise and can visualize the infant retina without the need for anesthesia and intravenous access. Many features of retinopathy of prematurity and its response to laser and anti-VEGF treatment can be either exclusively or better visualized on fluorescein angiography compared to indirect ophthalmoscopy or color fundus photography. Disease treatment is gradually shifting from laser photocoagulation to intravitreal anti-VEGF agents, the latter being associated with late-onset vision-threatening sequelae. The role of fluorescein angiography in retinopathy of prematurity monitoring will continue to increase with the longer follow-up required and different clinical behavior seen with anti-VEGF treatment. We highlight the utility, safety, and importance of fluorescein angiography in the diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up of retinopathy of prematurity.

Keywords: Fluorescein angiography; Fundus images/imaging; Pediatric retina; Prediction; Prognosis; Retinopathy of prematurity.