Purpose
To assess the relationship between the distribution of intra-retinal hyper-reflective foci (IHRF) on optical coherence tomography (OCT) and progression of intermediate age-related macular degeneration (iAMD) over 2 years.
Methods
Cirrus OCT volumes of the macula of subjects enrolled in the Amish Eye Study with 2 years of follow-up were evaluated for the presence of iAMD and IHRF at baseline. The IHRF were counted in a series of 5 sequential en face slabs from outer to inner retina. The number of IHRF in each slab at baseline and the change in IHRF from baseline to year 2 were correlated with progression to late AMD at 2 years.
Results
Among 120 eyes from 71 patients with iAMD, 52 eyes (43.3%) of 42 patients had evidence of both iAMD and IHRF at baseline. Twenty-three eyes (19.0%) showed progression to late AMD after 2 years. The total IHRF count increased from 243 at baseline to 604 at 2 years, with a significant increase in the IHRF number in each slab, except for the innermost slab 5 which had no IHRF at baseline or follow-up. The IHRF count increased from 121 to 340 in eyes that showed progression to late AMD. The presence of IHRF in the outermost retinal slabs 1 and 2 was independently associated with a significant risk of progression to late AMD. A greater increase in IHRF count over 2 years in these same slabs 1 and 2 was also associated with a higher risk of conversion to late AMD.
Conclusions
The risk of progression to late AMD appears to be significantly associated with the distribution and extent of IHRF in the outermost retinal layers. This observation may point to significant pathophysiologic differences of IHRF in inner versus outer layers of the retina.
PurposeThis study aimed to investigate the correspondence between intraretinal hyperreflective foci (IHRF) identified on optical coherence tomography (OCT) B‐scans with hyperpigmentation on colour fundus photography (CFP) or hyperreflectivity on infrared reflectance (IR) images in eyes with age‐related macular degeneration (AMD).MethodsFlash CFP, IR images and OCT B‐scans obtained at the same visit were evaluated. Individual IHRF identified on OCT B‐scans were assessed for the qualitative presence or absence of a hypotransmission tail into the choroid. The corresponding IR image obtained at the time of OCT acquisition was analysed for the presence or absence of hyperreflectivity in this region. The IR images were manually registered to the CFP image, and CFP images were inspected for the presence or absence of hyperpigmentation at the location of IHRF.ResultsFrom 122 eyes, a total of 494 IHRF were evaluated. For the primary analysis of qualitative presence or absence of hyperpigmentation on CFP and hyperreflectivity on IR at the locations corresponding to IHRF on OCT, 301 (61.0%) of the IHRFs demonstrated evidence of hyperpigmentation on CFP, while only 115 (23.3%) showed evidence of hyperreflectivity on IR. The qualitative determination of the presence or absence of an abnormality on CFP or IR were significantly different (p < 0.0001). 327 (66.2%) of the IHRF showed hypotransmission, and 80.4% of these IHRF showed hyperpigmentation on CFP, though only 23.9% (p < 0.0001) demonstrated hyperreflectivity on IR.ConclusionsLess than two‐thirds of IHRF evident on OCT manifest as hyperpigmentation on colour photos, though IHRF with posterior shadowing are more likely to be evident as pigment. IR imaging appears to be even more poorly sensitive for visualizing IHRF.
Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a leading cause of blindness among adults and the numbers are projected to rise. There have been dramatic advances in the field of retinal imaging since the first fundus image was captured by Jackman and Webster in 1886. The currently available imaging modalities in the management of DR include fundus photography, fluorescein angiography, autofluorescence imaging, optical coherence tomography, optical coherence tomography angiography, and near-infrared reflectance imaging. These images are obtained using traditional fundus cameras, widefield fundus cameras, handheld fundus cameras, or smartphone-based fundus cameras. Fluorescence lifetime ophthalmoscopy, adaptive optics, multispectral and hyperspectral imaging, and multicolor imaging are the evolving technologies which are being researched for their potential applications in DR. Telemedicine has gained popularity in recent years as remote screening of DR has been made possible. Retinal imaging technologies integrated with artificial intelligence/deep-learning algorithms will likely be the way forward in the screening and grading of DR. We provide an overview of the current and upcoming imaging modalities which are relevant to the management of DR.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.