Retromode Imaging Modality of Epiretinal Membranes

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Medical Imaging

Background:

• Macular epiretinal membranes (ERM) can affect visual acuity.
• Accurate assessment of ERM extent is crucial for surgical planning.

Purpose of the Study:

• To characterize macular epiretinal membranes (ERM) using non-invasive retromode imaging (RMI).
• To compare RMI findings with fundus autofluorescence (FAF) and fundus photography for ERM evaluation.

Main Methods:

• Prospective observational case-series study.
• Comparison of RMI, FAF, and fundus photography features through image cropping and overlapping for topographic correspondence.
• Inclusion of patients with macular ERM and no other confounding ocular conditions.

Main Results:

• The study included 21 eyes from 21 patients with ERM.
• RMI detected a significantly larger mean area of retinal folds compared to FAF (11.85 ± 3.92 mm² vs. 5.67 ± 2.15 mm², p < 0.05).
• RMI detected a similar mean area of retinal folds compared to fundus photography (11.85 ± 3.92 mm² vs. 10.58 ± 3.45 mm², p = 0.277).

Conclusions:

• Retromode imaging (RMI) is a valuable tool for evaluating ERMs.
• RMI provides accurate visualization of the true extent of retinal folds and precise structural assessment of the macula.
• Awareness of RMI's advantages can lead to more personalized therapeutic strategies for ERM patients.