Spectral domain optical coherence tomography finding in posterior microphthalmos

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Retinal Imaging
• Pediatric Ophthalmology

Background:

• Posterior microphthalmos is a rare congenital condition characterized by a small eye with a normal anterior segment and a relatively long axial length.
• Decreased vision in pediatric patients can be caused by various refractive errors and structural abnormalities of the eye.

Observation:

• An eight-year-old boy presented with significantly reduced visual acuity (6/60) in both eyes, corrected with high plus spheres.
• Ocular examination revealed normal anterior segments but fundus findings and spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) were indicative of posterior microphthalmos.
• SD-OCT imaging demonstrated an elevated foveal contour and a fold within the outer plexiform layer, sparing the external limiting membrane, photoreceptors, and retinal pigment epithelium.

Findings:

• The spectral domain optical coherence tomography findings in this case provide detailed imaging of the specific retinal layers affected by the fold in posterior microphthalmos.
• This is the first reported case of posterior microphthalmos with optical coherence tomography imaging that precisely identifies the retinal layers involved in the observed fold.

Implications:

• This detailed imaging contributes to a better understanding of the structural changes associated with posterior microphthalmos.
• The findings highlight the utility of SD-OCT in diagnosing and characterizing rare pediatric retinal conditions.
• Further research into the pathogenesis and management of posterior microphthalmos may benefit from such detailed case reports.