Telemedical evaluation and management of retinopathy of prematurity using a fiberoptic digital fundus camera

Ophthalmology. 2000 Jan;107(1):25-8. doi: 10.1016/s0161-6420(99)00003-2.

Abstract

Objective: We sought to determine whether retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) can be evaluated and managed telemedically.

Design: Multicenter noncomparative case series.

Participants: Ten patients (19 eyes) with ROP were evaluated and treated per standard of care and imaged with the RetCam 120 digital fundus camera (Massie Research Laboratories, Inc., Dublin, CA).

Intervention: Images were transmitted to a remote site for evaluation and management recommendations.

Main outcome measures: Telemedical evaluations and management recommendations were compared with traditional on-site standard of care evaluations and treatments.

Results: The identification of Plus disease at the remote site was accurately identified in 95% of eyes. Prethreshold, threshold, and stage 4 or 5 ROP were correctly detected in 17 of 19 (89%) eyes.

Conclusions: Results indicate ROP can be evaluated and treatment recommendations made at remote sites with telemedicine strategies.

Publication types

  • Multicenter Study

MeSH terms

  • Diagnostic Techniques, Ophthalmological / instrumentation*
  • Fiber Optic Technology*
  • Fundus Oculi
  • Humans
  • Image Processing, Computer-Assisted*
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Laser Therapy
  • Remote Consultation / methods*
  • Retinal Detachment / diagnosis
  • Retinal Detachment / etiology
  • Retinal Detachment / surgery
  • Retinopathy of Prematurity / complications
  • Retinopathy of Prematurity / diagnosis*
  • Retinopathy of Prematurity / surgery*
  • Scleral Buckling
  • Vitrectomy