This study demonstrates the value of ultra wide-field fluorescein angiography in visualizing peripheral retinal pathology. Ultra wide-field fluorescein angiography using the Optos C200 MA scanning laser ophthalmoscope (Optos PLC, Dunfermline, UK) provides a new method to visualize up to 200° of the retina using a non-contact-lens-based system.
Researchers at the Jules Stein Eye Institute used this new imaging modality in patients with a diagnosis of either branch retinal vein occlusions (BRVO) or hemicentral retinal vein occlusions (HRVO) to determine whether or not peripheral retinal vascular pathology is associated with visually significant sequelae.
They examined the ultra wide-field fluorescein angiograms of 78 patients (80 eyes) with BRVO (86 percent) or HRVO (14 percent). Untreated nonperfusion at any location was significantly associated with macular edema (P = 0.043; P = 0.007 when anterior to globe equator) and neovascularization (P = 0.0333).
They conclude that their data support the hypothesis that areas of untreated retinal nonperfusion may be the source of production of biochemical mediators that promote neovascularization and macular edema.