Visualization of cystoid macular oedema using a scanning laser ophthalmoscope in the retro-mode.

PURPOSE

To investigate cystoid macular oedema using a scanning laser ophthalmoscope.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 101 eyes with cystoid macular oedema because of various aetiologies. All eyes were examined with a new, commercially available scanning laser ophthalmoscope in the retro-mode with an infrared laser.

RESULTS

In all eyes, scanning laser ophthalmoscope in the retro-mode showed numerous oval or polygonal cystoid spaces. Most eyes showed a large cystoid space beneath the fovea, with surrounding small cystoid spaces. The area of the foveal cystoid space showed a correlation with its height, as measured with optical coherence tomography (R = 0.60, P < 0.0001). Visual acuity, however, did not show any correlation with either the area of the foveal cystoid space or area of all of the cystoid spaces in the macular area.

CONCLUSION

Scanning laser ophthalmoscope in the retro-mode can show each cystoid space located in any layer of the retina and allows us to detect the extent of cystoid macular oedema.