Examination of macular vitreoretinal interface disorders with monochromatic photography

Monochromatic light accentuates details of different retinal layers because of its variable absorption and reflectance by structures both within and above these layers. Monochromatic photography was used to examine macular vitreoretinal interface abnormalities in 19 patients. Short wavelength photographs (490 nm) provided the best detail of inner retinal abnormalities, including epiretinal membranes, vitreoretinal traction, and the internal surface of confluent macular edema (pseudocyst). Although 540-nm red-free photography provided acceptable photographs, it did not provide optimal detail of inner or deep retinal abnormalities. Longer wavelengths, 585 and 610 nm, best disclosed the extent of deep retinal abnormalities, including the extent of confluent macular edema (pseudocysts) and retinal detachment that surrounded macular holes. The addition of short- and long-wave-length photography to traditional red-free photography may provide better localization, understanding, and documentation of the three-dimensional relationships in macular vitreoretinal interface disorders.