[Optical coherence tomography in age-related macular degeneration]

Optic coherent tomography (OCT) is a new non-contact and non-invasive diagnostic method which visualizes biological tissues in their transverse section, similarly as ultrasound examination. It uses however infrared radiation and during examination of the posterior pole of the eye it has a greater differentiating capacity.

Of the paper is to compare biomicroscopic OCT and angiographic findings in different forms and developmental stages of age-related macular degeneration (ARMD), to evaluate the asset of OCT for classification and therapy of ARMD.

The authors examined 183 patients (266 eyes) with ARMD in different developmental stages. The clinical diagnosis of ARMD was established by biomicroscopic and/or angiographic examination with fluorescein.

In the majority of patients the different manifestations of ARMD were associated, and the OCT findings were polymorphous. OCT defined more accurately the site and character of changes in the retina and adjacent structures, made it possible to assess objectively the thickness of the retina and surrounding structures and to detect the presence of fluid and/or newly formed intra- and subretinal tissue and tissue benewath the RPE. The CNVM classification, introduced by fluorescent angiography differentiating classical and occult forms did not have an accurate correlate in the OCT image in our group of patients.

OCT is in the diagnosis and follow up of the development of ARMD a suitable supplement of commonly used methods. It provides information on spatial relations of pathologically altered tissues. Visualization of the retina on the section is particularly valuable when evaluating the results of laser or surgical treatment.