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Updated: Apr 13, 2026
Author Spotlight: Ex Vivo OCT-Based Multimodal Imaging of Human Donor Eyes for Research into Age-Related Macular Degeneration
Published on: May 26, 2023
FUNCTIONAL OUTCOMES OF YOUNG INFANTS WITH AND WITHOUT MACULAR EDEMA
Adam L Rothman1, Du Tran-Viet, Lejla Vajzovic
1*Department of Ophthalmology, Duke University Eye Center, Durham, North Carolina; †Department of Pediatrics, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina; and ‡Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina.
Insights
Perinatal spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) reveals that infant macular edema is linked to poor visual acuity and neurodevelopmental deficits. SD-OCT monitoring of retinal microanatomy may predict later vision and central nervous system outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Neuroscience
- Developmental Pediatrics
Background:
- Spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) is a non-invasive imaging technique that allows for detailed visualization of the posterior segment of the eye.
- Understanding the relationship between early retinal microanatomy and later neurodevelopmental outcomes is crucial for identifying infants at risk for visual and cognitive impairments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To correlate perinatal posterior segment microanatomy, assessed by SD-OCT, with visual acuity, brain abnormalities, and neurodevelopmental outcomes in infants.
- To investigate the potential of SD-OCT in monitoring visual system maturation and the evolution of retinal anomalies in early life.
Main Methods:
- Thirteen infants (11 preterm, 2 term) underwent nursery imaging using portable SD-OCT.
- Infants were assessed for visual acuity and sensorimotor function between 9 months and 5 years.
- Medical records were reviewed for brain MRI reports and Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development (Bayley Scales) testing.
Main Results:
- Eight children with normal macular microanatomy on perinatal SD-OCT achieved optimal visual acuity (≥ 20/40).
- Five children with perinatal macular edema exhibited suboptimal visual acuity in most eyes, alongside sensorimotor deficits, brain abnormalities, or poor neurodevelopment.
- Macular edema persisted in one infant up to 9-month corrected age.
Conclusions:
- Perinatal SD-OCT can monitor visual system maturation and retinal anomaly progression.
- Infant retinal microanatomy visualized by SD-OCT may correlate with subsequent vision and central nervous system development.
- Further research is needed to establish the normal range of infant retinal microanatomy and its precise relationship with vision and neurodevelopment.
Purpose:
The authors relate posterior segment microanatomy from perinatal spectral domain optical coherence tomography to visual acuity, brain abnormalities, and neurodevelopment.
Methods:
Thirteen infants (11 preterm and 2 term birth), imaged in the nursery with portable spectral domain optical coherence tomography, had visual acuity and sensorimotor testing at age 9 months to 15 months (grating acuity) or 4 years to 5 years (optotype), and medical records reviewed for brain magnetic resonance imaging reports and Bayley scales testing at age 18 months to 24 months.
Results:
Eight children with age-appropriate macular microanatomy without edema on perinatal spectral domain optical coherence tomography had optimal (≥ 20/40) or within normal limits (grating acuity) visual acuity. Five children with perinatal macular edema had suboptimal visual acuity (in 9/10 eyes) and sensorimotor deficits, magnetic resonance imaging abnormalities, or poor neurodevelopment. Macular edema persisted in 1 infant through 9-month corrected age.
Conclusion:
Maturation of the visual system and evolution of retinal anomalies can be monitored with posterior segment spectral domain optical coherence tomography. Retinal microanatomy observed in infancy might relate to subsequent vision and other central nervous system events, but additional studies are needed to determine the range of normal microanatomy in infants and how this relates to vision and neurodevelopment.
