Quantitative fluorescein angiography following diode laser retinal photocoagulation.

OBJECTIVE

An in vivo study was done to establish if laser-induced damage of the retina could be quantified using fluorescein angiography.

METHOD

This study was carried out on rabbit eyes (n = 6) with an 810 nm diode laser (spot diameter: 500 microm, pulse duration: 1 second, power: 100 mW-400 mW) adapted on a slit lamp. Fluorescence measurements were performed with a fundus camera connected to a fluorescence imaging system. Fluorescence staining of the retina was evaluated by mathematical modeling. Lesions were correlated to laser parameters and to histologic data.

RESULTS

Image analysis shows that the laser lesions stained progressively. Fluorescence appears first at the borders of the lesion exhibiting a fluorescent ring. A progressive increase of the fluorescence into the central zone is observed. The maximum fluorescence intensity into the center of the laser spot is obtained after a delay depending on the laser energy. Below 100 +/- 20 mW, lesions are detectable by fluorescence imaging only. A fluorescence plateau appears for a threshold light dose above 200 +/- 20 mW. Mathematical modeling demonstrates that quantitative assessment of laser-induced damage to the retina is feasible using fluorescence imaging.

CONCLUSION

The quantification of fluorescence staining in terms of both intensity and time can contribute to a better quantification of laser-induced damage. At last, since laser damage may mimic naturally occurring pathology, this method should also be considered to quantify different types of lesions.