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Published on: September 16, 2020
Imaging in Retinopathy of Prematurity
N Valikodath1, E Cole, M F Chiang
1From the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Illinois Eye and Ear Infirmary, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States; and Department of Ophthalmology, Casey Eye Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, United States.
Insights
Digital retinal imaging offers a reliable and cost-effective solution for screening retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), a major cause of childhood blindness. This technology improves access to care and training for healthcare providers, enhancing ROP management globally.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Medical Technology
- Public Health
Background:
- Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a primary cause of preventable childhood blindness globally.
- Challenges in ROP care include limited access, insufficient trained physicians, and inadequate objective documentation.
- Digital retinal imaging presents a promising solution to overcome these barriers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the role of digital retinal imaging in addressing barriers to ROP screening and management.
- To highlight technological advancements in retinal imaging for ROP assessment.
- To evaluate the effectiveness of telemedicine and tele-education in ROP care.
Main Methods:
- Utilized advancements in non-mydriatic and mydriatic retinal cameras with expanded fields of view.
- Incorporated integrated devices for fluorescein angiography, optical coherence tomography (OCT), and OCT angiography.
- Employed smartphone and computer-based software for image analysis in ROP.
- Leveraged telemedicine programs for remote ROP screening and tele-education.
Main Results:
- Digital retinal imaging demonstrated reliability, accuracy, and cost-effectiveness in ROP screening via telemedicine.
- Technological advancements enable comprehensive imaging, including angiography and OCT.
- Tele-education programs effectively increase the number of healthcare providers trained in ROP.
Conclusions:
- Digital retinal imaging is a valuable tool for improving ROP screening accessibility and management.
- Technological innovations enhance diagnostic capabilities and knowledge of ROP pathophysiology.
- Telemedicine and tele-education, supported by digital imaging, are crucial for expanding ROP care globally.
Abstract:
Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a leading cause of preventable childhood blindness worldwide. Barriers to ROP screening and difficulties with subsequent evaluation and management include poor access to care, lack of physicians trained in ROP, and issues with objective documentation. Digital retinal imaging can help address these barriers and improve our knowledge of the pathophysiology of the disease. Advancements in technology have led to new, non-mydriatic and mydriatic cameras with wider fields of view as well as devices that can simultaneously incorporate fluorescein angiography, optical coherence tomography (OCT), and OCT angiography. Image analysis in ROP is also being employed through smartphones and computer-based software. Telemedicine programs in the United States and worldwide have utilized imaging to extend ROP screening to infants in remote areas and have shown that digital retinal imaging can be reliable, accurate, and cost-effective. In addition, tele-education programs are also using digital retinal images to increase the number of healthcare providers trained in ROP. Although indirect ophthalmoscopy is still an important skill for screening, digital retinal imaging holds promise for more widespread screening and management of ROP.
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