Dynamic documentation of the evolution of retinopathy of prematurity in video format

Serial digital photographic examinations have been combined into a video format, which shows development and evolution of the disease over time. This dynamic format has changed the teaching of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) by illustrating the subtle changes in the temporal arcade angle and choroidal vascular pattern, which can be observed over time in these videos.

Consecutive weekly or biweekly images were obtained on the same infant and were captured using digital retinal photography (RetCam 120) and then archived on compact discs. Those infants that were most photographic and demonstrative of the evolution of ROP were selected for animation. The optic nerve vessels were aligned and image border blended into the previous image using a layer mask, thus creating an animation of consecutive images.

The videos highlight the evolving features of ROP, such as development of arborized vessels posterior to the ridge, development of Stage 3 lesions, progression of plus disease, choroidal vascular changes accompanying the progression of ROP, dynamic changes in the temporal arcade angle, and regression of disease following last photocoagulation.

The documentation of this disease as it evolves and its presentation in video format, using digital retinal photographic technology, has allowed subtle anatomical changes to be visualized and potentially studied. This process highlights a new dimension of the dynamic nature of the disease for those involved in the care of an infant with ROP.