Photoreceptor layer map using spectral-domain optical coherence tomography.
OBJECTIVE
To develop a novel method for analysis of the photoreceptor layer map (PLM) generated using spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (OCT).


METHODS
OCT scans were obtained from 20 eyes, 10 with macular holes (MH) and 10 with central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC) using the Macular Cube (512 x 128) protocol of the Cirrus HD-OCT (Carl Zeiss). The scanned data were processed using embedded tools of the advanced visualization. A partial thickness OCT fundus image of the photoreceptor layer was generated by setting the region of interest to a 50-microm thick layer that was parallel and adjacent to the retinal pigment epithelium. The resulting image depicted the photoreceptor layer as a map of the reflectivity in OCT. The PLM was compared with fundus photography, auto-fluorescence, tomography, and retinal thickness map.


RESULTS
The signal from the photoreceptor layer of every OCT scan in each case was demonstrated as a single image of PLM in a fundus photograph fashion. In PLM images, detachment of the sensory retina is depicted as a hypo-reflective area, which represents the base of MH and serous detachment in CSC. Relative hypo-reflectivity, which was also noted at closed MH and at recently reattached retina in CSC, was associated with reduced signal from the junction between the inner and outer segments of photoreceptors in OCT images. Using PLM, changes in the area of detachment and reflectivity of the photoreceptor layer could be efficiently monitored.


CONCLUSIONS
The photoreceptor layer can be analyzed as a map using spectral-domain OCT. In the treatment of both MH and CSC, PLM may provide new pathological information about the photoreceptor layer to expand our understanding of these diseases.
Department of Ophthalmology, Medical Research Institute, College of Medicine, Pusan National University, Busan, Korea. jlee@pusan.ac.kr
Ji Eun
JE
Lee
Dae Won
DW
Lim
Han Yong
HY
Bae
Hyun Jin
HJ
Park
D000368:Aged; D056833:Central Serous Chorioretinopathy / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis*; D005260:Female; D005654:Fundus Oculi; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D020419:Photoreceptor Cells, Vertebrate / Q000473:pathology*; D011184:Postoperative Period; D012163:Retinal Detachment / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology; D012167:Retinal Perforations / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000601:surgery; D041623:Tomography, Optical Coherence / Q000379:methods*