Near-infrared imaging retinal diagnostic applications-a review

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Medical Imaging

Background:

• Near-infrared reflectance (NIR) is a rapid, noncontact imaging technique.
• NIR imaging is frequently integrated with Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT).

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the clinical applications of NIR for diagnosing and monitoring retinal diseases.
• To highlight the diagnostic utility of NIR across a spectrum of ocular conditions.

Main Methods:

• A comprehensive literature search of the Pubmed database was performed.
• 105 relevant articles were included in this review.
• Clinical images from the authors' experience were utilized.

Main Results:

• NIR imaging demonstrates findings in diverse retinal conditions, including vascular diseases, age-related macular degeneration (AMD), vitreoretinal interface pathologies, retinal dystrophies, and inflammatory chorioretinopathies.
• The utility of NIR extends to diagnosing phakomatoses, retinal toxicities, photic injury, choroidal cavitary lesions, choroidal neoplasms, and choroidal vascular lesions.

Conclusions:

• NIR imaging is advantageous in low illumination, narrow pupils, and opaque media.
• NIR provides crucial information for the diagnosis and follow-up of retinal diseases.
• The use of NIR is highly recommended for clinical decision-making in ophthalmology.