Observation of the far peripheral retina of normal eyes by ultra-wide field fluorescein angiography

Eur J Ophthalmol. 2021 May;31(3):1177-1184. doi: 10.1177/1120672120926453. Epub 2020 May 26.

Abstract

Purpose: The appearance of the far peripheral retina in normal eyes was observed using an Optos ultra-wide field fluorescein angiography imaging system.

Methods: A cross-sectional study of ultra-wide field pseudocolor and angiography images obtained using the Optos 200Tx. Four different non-vascular and six vascular-associated fluorescence features in far peripheral retina were analyzed.

Results: A total of 166 eyes in 83 patients met the inclusion criteria. The mean patient age was 40.78 ± 10.94 years (range: 20-65 years) with a female-to-male ratio of 0.98. Slight cataract were present in 64 eyes (38.55%), low to moderate myopia in 50 eyes (30.12%), and unspecified visual disturbances in 52 eyes (31.33%). Far peripheral retinas were found to have mottled florescent band in 42.17% eyes, ground glass hyperfluorescence in 84.34% eyes, granular hyperfluorescence in 12.65% eyes, local mottled fluorescence in 10.84% eyes, vascular anastomosis with a peripheral avascular area in 36.23% eyes, invisible capillary details in 50.67% eyes, vessels passing through the ora serrata in 16.98% eyes, late-phase slight leakage in 32.53% eyes, angiectasis in 18.67% eyes, and microaneurysm in 34.94% eyes.

Conclusion: Ultra-wide field fluorescein angiography revealed various fluorescence features in the periphery of normal eyes, providing a basis for interpreting normal and pathological changes in peripheral retina and an important reference for clinical work.

Keywords: Normal eye/diagnosis; diagnostic technique; fluorescein angiography; ophthalmology.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Female
  • Fluorescein Angiography
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Microaneurysm*
  • Middle Aged
  • Retina*
  • Young Adult