Clinical Application of Multicolor Imaging Technology

Abstract

Purpose: To assess the clinical application of multicolor imaging by confocal scanning laser ophthalmoscopy (cSLO). Methods: Retinal imaging was performed in 76 patients including cSLO multicolor imaging (SPECTRALIS SD-OCT, Heidelberg Engineering, Heidelberg, Germany) and color fundus photography (CFP). Results: The use of confocal optics, reduced light scatter and automated eye tracking enable high-resolution cSLO reflectance images. Compared to CFP, the appearance of pigment alterations and hemorrhages were some of the differences observed. Various artifacts including those derived from optical media alterations need to be considered when interpreting images. Specific pathological findings including epiretinal membranes, fibrovascular proliferations, and reticular pseudodrusen may be better visualized on multicolor images. Conclusions: When using multicolor imaging, ophthalmologists need to be mindful about differences in the appearance of pathological changes and artifacts. Multicolor imaging may offer information over and above conventional CFP; it can be performed through undilated pupils and is less affected by media opacities.

Multicolour imaging signatures to diagnose concurrent macular telangiectasia type 2 and macular branch retinal vein occlusion

“…It provides structural information by using three individual laser wavelengths: blue (488 nm), green (515 nm), and infrared (820 nm) visualising changes at different levels of the retina [5]. The MC composite image uses false colors, which further helps in image interpretation.…”

“…In MacTel, the blue reflectance image shows a characteristic parafoveal hyperreflectance due to the loss of foveal pigmentation early in the disease, making it a good tool for early detection [6]. Normal retinal vessels appear hyporeflective on multicolour images but pathological vessels can show hyperreflectivity [5], [9]. …”

“…Multicolour (MC) imaging is a non-invasive retinal imaging modality that simultaneously acquires three reflectance images using blue, green, and red confocal lasers, producing three separate and one composite image, visualising changes at different levels of the retina [5]. In Mac Tel type II, the blue reflectance (BR) image shows a characteristic parafoveal hyperreflectance [6].…”

Multimodal Imaging of Nonneovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration

“…58,59 While only a few studies using this novel technique have been published, multicolor imaging has been used to visualize atrophic areas in AMD, and it may allow for improved visualization of GA boundaries with less interference from media opacities compared with traditional CFP. [58][59][60] Fluorescence Lifetime Imaging Ophthalmoscopy Fluorescence lifetime imaging ophthalmoscopy (FLIO) is a novel noninvasive imaging modality providing in vivo measurement of the lifetimes of endogenous retinal fluorophores and is closely related to FAF. [61][62][63] When photons from an external light source are applied to excite endogenous fluorophores of the retina, the fluorophores achieve a higher level of energy before returning to their ground state, and the average time between these two events can be quantified as the fluorescence lifetime.…”

Comparison of MultiColor fundus imaging and colour fundus photography in the evaluation of epiretinal membrane

“…Different wavelengths of laser penetrate the retinal surface to different depths of the retinal layers and can, therefore, demonstrate distinct details of the various layers of the retina (Tan et al. ). MultiColor imaging (MC) enables recording of en face cSLO fundus images in combination with a cross‐sectional image, using a single imaging modality and without requiring additional CFP.…”