En Face Optical Coherence Tomography Imaging Ellipsoid Zone Regeneration in Laser-Induced and Solar Maculopathies

The purpose of the study was to analyze imaging findings in spectral domain en face optical coherence tomography (SD OCT) in patients with laser-induced and solar maculopathies focusing on the possible regeneration of the ellipsoid zone. In a retrospective case series of 3 patients (4 eyes) with solar maculopathy and 2 patients (3 eyes) with laser-induced maculopathy who underwent a comprehensive ocular examination, ellipsoid zone (EZ) was segmented from SD OCT data. Evaluation of EZ in en face OCT revealed a hyporeflective lesion surrounded by a hyperreflective border. The area of EZ alteration was measured manually in en face OCT. All patients showed partial EZ regeneration. Mean EZ alteration decreased from 0.12 mm² (range: 0.05-0.32) at baseline to 0.07 mm² (range: 0.01-0.22) at last follow-up (p = 0.018, mean follow-up: 372 days; range: 115-592). Mean best visual acuity (BVA) improved from 20/36 at baseline to 20/30 (p = 0.018). In conclusion, en face OCT imaging clearly delineated the area of EZ alteration in patients with laser-induced and solar maculopathies. Follow-up showed significant reformation of the EZ as well as improvement of BVA.