[Wide angle fundus documentation in retinopathy of prematurity].

BACKGROUND

Fundus documentation in preterm infants has been improved by the advent of a new wide-angle fundus camera (RetCam 120).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

In 30 preterm infants we used the RetCam 120 for retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) screening, before and after laser treatment of ROP and after regression of acute phase ROP for documentation of fundus findings. The RetCam 120 is a digital contact wide-angle fundus camera which is based on a 3-chip CCD video camera.

RESULTS

The RetCam 120 proved to be feasable for ROP documentation in preterm infants. Fundus documentation enhanced follow-up, teaching and cooperation between ophthalmologists and neonatologists. Conventional ophthalmoscopy is still necessary when using the RetCam 120 in ROP screening. Technical improvements of the camera itself and of the hardware and software is necessary before the RetCam 120 can be used routinely in ROP screening.

CONCLUSION

The wide-angle fundus documentation using the RetCam 120 allows instant visualization and real-time documentation of intraocular findings. The RetCam 120 opens up new possibilities in clinical and scientific work, in teaching and in the new frontiers of ophthalmological telemedicine.