Retromode in ophthalmology
current diagnostic applications and clinical perspectives
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.70313/2718.7446.v18.n3.438Keywords:
retinal images, SLO, retromode technique, age related macular degeneration, diabetes retinopathyAbstract
Scanning laser ophthalmoscopes (SLO) were developed with the aim of generating high-contrast images of the chorioretinal layers. Image acquisition through a pinhole aperture enables operation in direct confocal mode, which is employed in the majority of currently available commercial devices.
The ability to laterally displace the pinhole aperture—either to the right or left— as well as the use of an annular aperture, allows for operation in indirect confocal mode.
This indirect confocal mode, termed “RetroMode” by the manufacturer, has been available since 2010 and is exclusively distributed by Nidek in the SLO Nidek F-10 and Mirante SLO devices.
The retromode imaging technique (RMI) provides a perception of depth, enhancing the topographic features of retinal or subretinal pathological structures.
This updated review describes the operating principles of this novel imaging modality and illustrates some of its applications in daily clinical practice.
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