High-Precision Optical Coherence Tomography Navigated Laser Retinopexy for Retinal Breaks

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Medical Technology
• Retinal Surgery

Background:

• Retinal detachment, often caused by retinal breaks, is a significant cause of vision loss.
• Current laser photocoagulation (LPC) for retinal breaks relies on indirect ophthalmoscopy, which can limit precision.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate a semi-automatic treatment planning software for navigated LPC using optical coherence tomography (OCT).
• To assess the accuracy and potential of OCT-guided laser retinopexy for treating retinal breaks.

Main Methods:

• A semi-automatic software using sequential OCT scans was developed for navigated LPC treatment planning.
• Artificial retinal breaks in ex-vivo porcine eyes were treated using the developed system.
• Treatment outcomes were evaluated using fundus photography and OCT imaging.

Main Results:

• Navigated OCT-guided LPC successfully created coagulation lesions around retinal breaks.
• The system achieved a mean offset of 68 µm and a mean lesion spacing error of 5 µm between planned and applied patterns.
• Lesions were identifiable as highly scattering regions on OCT and fundus photography.

Conclusions:

• Navigated OCT-guided laser retinopexy demonstrates potential for improved accuracy in treating retinal breaks.
• This technology may enhance the efficiency and safety of retinal detachment prevention procedures.