ROLE OF OPTICAL COHERENCE TOMOGRAPHY IN MANAGEMENT OF ACUTE POSTERIOR VITREOUS DETACHMENT AND ITS COMPLICATIONS

Abstract

Purpose: 

Currently, no consensus exists on the role of optical coherence tomography (OCT) imaging in the setting of acute posterior vitreous detachment (PVD). The authors outline the clinical utility of OCT in the management of acute PVD and its complications.

Methods: 

Literature review of OCT findings in association with acute PVD and report of illustrative cases.

Results: 

Optical coherence tomography imaging in the setting of acute PVD can provide details of vitreoretinal interface that are difficult to appreciate on biomicroscopy alone including partial PVDs, focal vitreoretinal adhesions and traction, and subclinical macular changes. The presence of vitreous hyperreflective dots on OCT in the premacular space, especially if severe, is highly correlated with the presence of peripheral retinal breaks and development of epiretinal membrane. Advancements in OCT technology, including enhanced vitreous imaging OCT, swept-source OCT, wide-angle OCT, and widefield OCT, allow for increased resolution and expanded field of imaging of the vitreoretinal interface.

Conclusion: 

Optical coherence tomography imaging is an emerging standard of care in the setting of patients presenting with new flashes and floaters. The authors highlight the benefits of OCT imaging in patients with acute PVD, which includes recognition of the status of the vitreoretinal interface, assistance in identifying high-risk PVDs, and performance of risk assessment that predict future macular pathologic condition.

In Brief

Optical coherence tomography has significant clinical utility in the management of acute posterior vitreous detachment. Optical coherence tomography can provide clinically invaluable information regarding the vitreomacular interface, diagnose subclinical macular pathologic condition, and identify vitreous hyperreflective dots that are associated with retinal breaks and epiretinal membrane formation.