Optical Coherence Tomography Split-Spectrum Amplitude-Decorrelation Optoretinography Detects Early Central Cone...

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Medical Imaging
• Genetics

Background:

• Inherited retinal dystrophies (IRDs) encompass a group of genetic disorders affecting the retina.
• Macular cone dysfunction is a key feature in many IRDs, leading to vision impairment.
• Early detection and monitoring of cone dysfunction are crucial for managing IRDs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the capability of split-spectrum amplitude-decorrelation optoretinography (SSADOR) in detecting and quantifying macular cone dysfunction in patients with IRDs.
• To assess the correlation between SSADOR findings and other functional and structural retinal assessments.

Main Methods:

• A case series design was employed, recruiting nine participants with various IRD pathologies.
• Multimodal imaging, including SSADOR and optical coherence tomography (OCT), was performed.
• Retinal sensitivity was measured using microperimetry.

Main Results:

• SSADOR successfully identified areas of cone functional impairment consistent with IRD phenotypes.
• A correlation was observed between SSADOR signals and microperimetry measurements.
• SSADOR detected functional changes in mild cases where microperimetry was normal but OCT showed subtle abnormalities.

Conclusions:

• SSADOR is a sensitive tool for detecting functional changes in macular cones, even before perimetry abnormalities are evident.
• This technology holds promise for the early diagnosis and precise monitoring of cone dysfunction in IRDs.
• SSADOR may serve as a valuable endpoint in clinical trials for IRDs.