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Morphologic changes in the retina after selective retina therapy
Ji Ho Yang1, Seung-Young Yu1, Tae Gi Kim1
1Department of Ophthalmology, Kyung Hee University Hospital, Kyung Hee University, 23, Kyungheedae-ro, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
Summary
Selective retina therapy (SRT) using optical feedback techniques (OFT) precisely targets retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells. This innovative, nondestructive retina therapy shows potential for future clinical trials in treating macular diseases.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences
- Regenerative Medicine
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Developing targeted therapies for retinal diseases is crucial.
- Selective Retina Therapy (SRT) offers a potential approach for precise retinal intervention.
- Optical Feedback Techniques (OFT) enhance the precision and safety of therapeutic interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the structural changes in the retina after Selective Retina Therapy (SRT) controlled by Optical Feedback Techniques (OFT).
- To evaluate the therapeutic effects and regenerative capacity of the retina using histologic and in vivo imaging methods.
Main Methods:
- Selective Retina Therapy (SRT) was applied to 12 rabbit eyes.
- Retinal changes were assessed using fundus photography, fluorescein angiography (FAG), spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT), and electron microscopy (SEM, TEM).
- Cell proliferation was evaluated using the 5'-bromo-2'-deoxy-uridine (BrdU) incorporation assay.
Main Results:
- SRT lesions were initially invisible but showed leakage on FAG, resolving within 7 days.
- SD-OCT confirmed restoration of retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) reflectivity, and histology showed damage limited to RPE and photoreceptor outer segments.
- RPE cell migration and monolayer restoration with microvilli occurred by 1 week, with complete ultrastructural recovery by 28 days; RPE proliferation peaked at 7 days.
Conclusions:
- SRT with OFT selectively targets the RPE without damaging the neurosensory retina.
- The retina demonstrates significant regenerative capacity following SRT, with complete structural recovery.
- SRT with OFT represents a promising, nondestructive retina therapy for potential clinical trials, particularly for macular diseases.
