Advanced Preoperative Imaging in Macula-Off Rhegmatogenous Retinal Detachment: Emerging Diagnostic and Prognostic...

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Medical Imaging

Background:

• Retinal detachment (RD) is a serious condition requiring prompt treatment.
• Macula-off rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) presents variable visual recovery post-surgery, necessitating preoperative prognostic indicators.
• Current diagnostic methods for RRD lack sufficient predictive power for visual outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the role of advanced retinal imaging techniques in assessing macula-off RRD.
• To identify imaging-derived biomarkers associated with RRD severity and postoperative visual function.
• To explore emerging imaging technologies and AI for improved RRD management.

Main Methods:

• Narrative review of studies utilizing spectral-domain and swept-source optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT and SS-OCT).
• Analysis of OCT angiography (OCT-A) and adaptive optics OCT (AO-OCT) for microstructural and microvascular assessment.
• Inclusion of ultra-widefield OCT (UWF-OCT) and AI-based image analysis.

Main Results:

• Several advanced imaging parameters show potential for predicting visual outcomes in macula-off RRD.
• Microstructural and microvascular alterations visualized by OCT and OCT-A correlate with disease severity.
• Emerging technologies like UWF-OCT and AI offer new avenues for diagnosis and surgical planning.

Conclusions:

• Advanced retinal imaging offers promising biomarkers for preoperative assessment of macula-off RRD.
• The prognostic value of current imaging biomarkers requires further validation in prospective studies.
• Integration of advanced imaging into routine clinical practice for RRD management is still under development.