Application of retinal thickness analyzer (RTA) in diagnosis and treatment monitoring in retinal diseases

The aim of the study
was to evaluate the applicability of retinal thickness measurements using the Retinal thickness analyzer (RTA) in diagnosis and monitoring treatment of a variety of eye diseases.

Material and methods
Patients with various retinal diseases (diabetic macular edema, branch retinal vein occlusion, age-related macular degeneration, and primary open-angle glaucoma), were examined for retinal thickness in the posterior pole using the Retinal thickness analyzer. A laser light beam of a 543 nm wave length was projected on the retina and scanned across 3x3 mm retinal area. Five scans covered the 20° area of the fundus. The images of the particular intersections were digitally recorded and the results were presented as colour maps and diagrams.

Results
The examination carried out with Retinal thickness analyzer showed the retinal thickening in patients with diabetic macular edema and branch retinal vein occlusion. Leakage from subfoveal choroidal neovascular membranes resulted also in retinal edema and thickening. Fluorescein and indocyanine green angiography confirmed the diagnosis. Evaluation of the retinal nerve fibre layer in patient with primary open angle glaucoma, confirmed a thinning of the retina in the region of posterior pole.

Conclusions
The scanning Retinal thickness analyzer provides an essential information useful in diagnosis and monitoring treatment of retina diseases in the macula region.