[Screening for retinal detachment using wide-field retinal imaging]

The wide-field retinal imaging device (200°) (P200 Optomap Plus, Optos, Edinburgh, Scotland, UK), using a scanning laser ophthalmoscope (SLO), makes it possible to visualize a wide retinal area including the retinal periphery. The present study was designed to evaluate the ability to detect peripheral rhegmatogenous lesions using SLO wide-field image reading.

Between 2 November 2007 and 30 April 2008, all patients presenting with a retinal detachment were prospectively enrolled. Retinal ophthalmoscopy and drawing of retinal detachment, breaks, and holes were performed by a single retinal surgeon. SLO imaging was performed by an orthoptist and image reading by a senior resident. The orthoptist and the resident were both unaware of the results of the clinical examination. The extension of the retinal detachment in clock hours as well as the number of breaks and holes were compared between the retinal drawing and the image reading results.

During the study period, 6053 images were taken, in 56 eyes with retinal detachment documented. Retinal breaks and holes were detected in seven of 10 cases with SLO image reading, only those situated superiorly between 11 and 1 o'clock and inferiorly between 5 and 7 o'clock were missed. Retinal detachments (one situated superiorly and one situated inferiorly) were detected in nine of 10 cases.

The sensitivity of retinal detachment detection with the wide-field imaging device appears to be satisfactory for screening purposes, although it cannot replace retinal ophthalmoscopy.