A NEW METHOD FOR RAPID MAPPING OF THE RETINAL THICKNESS AT THE POSTERIOR POLE

Purpose. An objective, quantitative, and sensitive method to map retin al thickness is needed to diagnose more effectively the conditions cau sing alterations in thickness, such as macular edema and neuroretinal atrophy. Methods. An instrument, the retinal thickness analyzer, was d eveloped into a rapid scanning instrument, capable of covering macular areas of 2 x 2 mm in 200 or 400 msec and generating a detailed map of the retinal thickness. The performance was assessed in vitro and in f ive normal subjects who were scanned on three separate visits. Results . Optimal depth precision was 5 to 10 mu m, and the optimal depth reso lution was 50 mu m. Reproducibility was +/-12 mu m on the same day, +/ -13 mu m for single maps obtained in multiple visits, and +/-10 mu m f or three averaged maps per visit obtained in multiple visits. Conclusi ons. This new method to analyze retinal thickness provides four unique features: multiple optical cross-sectioning of the retina, mapping of retinal thickness, high reproducibility, and shore acquisition time. These capabilities promise to improve the diagnosis and management of common diseases such as macular edema and glaucoma.