Comprehensive detection, grading, and growth behavior evaluation of subthreshold and low intensity photocoagulation lesions by optical coherence tomographic and infrared image analysis

Stefan Koinzer*, Amke Caliebe, Lea Portz, Mark Saeger, Yoko Miura, Kerstin Schlott, Ralf Brinkmann, Johann Roider

*Corresponding author for this work
7 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Purpose. To correlate the long-term clinical effect of photocoagulation lesions after 6 months, as measured by their retinal damage size, to exposure parameters. We used optical coherence tomographic (OCT)-based lesion classes in order to detect and assess clinically invisible and mild lesions. Methods. In this prospective study, 488 photocoagulation lesions were imaged in 20 patients. We varied irradiation diameters (100/300 μm), exposure-times (20-200 ms), and power. Intensities were classified in OCT images after one hour, and we evaluated OCT and infrared (IR) images over six months after exposure. Results. For six consecutive OCT-based lesion classes, the following parameters increased with the class: ophthalmoscopic, OCT and IR visibility rate, fundus and OCT diameter, and IR area, but not irradiation power. OCT diameters correlated with exposure-time, irradiation diameter, and OCT class. OCT classes discriminated the largest bandwidth of OCT diameters. Conclusion. OCT classes represent objective and valid endpoints of photocoagulation intensity even for "subthreshold" intensities. They are suitable to calculate the treated retinal area. As the area is critical for treatment efficacy, OCT classes are useful to define treatment intensity, calculate necessary lesion numbers, and universally categorize lesions in clinical studies.

Original languageEnglish
Article number492679
JournalBioMed Research International
Volume2014
ISSN2314-6133
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 01.01.2014

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