[Spectral Domain OCT in age-related macular degeneration: preliminary results with Spectralis HRA-OCT]

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) imaging has become extremely valuable in demonstrating the presence of neurosensory or retinal pigment epithelial elevation or detachment associated with occult choroidal newvessels. This imaging method has recently been improved using the Fourier Transform and is called Spectral Domain-OCT or SD-OCT. The preliminary results using this imaging technique can now be used to analyze the advantages of the technique's sensitivity and acquisition speed.

and methods: A consecutive series of 100 AMD patients was examined prospectively and followed with the Spectralis HRA-OCT device (Heidelberg Engineering, Heidelberg, Germany). Each patient underwent a complete ophthalmologic examination, including biomicroscopy, fluorescein and ICG angiographies, and OCT examinations.

Different clinical forms of early AMD and advanced ARMD, either atrophic or exudative, can benefit from this new examination. The various changes were registered, mainly at the level of the outer nuclear layer, the outer limiting membrane, and the interface between the inner and outer segments. Intra- or subretinal fluid accumulation and the variations in retinal thickness were precisely analyzed and compared during follow-up using the Tomography Laser Tracking System.

The Tomography Laser Tracking System can efficiently evaluate the results of treatment, correlated with the angiographic and functional data, providing great assistance in diagnosis and indications for treatment and retreatment. Quantitative measurements can be taken, not only in the lesion area, but also of their volume (especially for drusen), which may become useful in detecting complications in high-risk patients.