Observation of Peripheral Retina by Topical Endoscopic Imaging Method—A Preliminary Study

INTRODUCTION: This study evaluated the usefulness of rigid endoscopy placed on the corneal surface to observe the peripheral retina. METHODS: The authors studied 15 eyes in 15 patients (12 men, 3 women; mean age 55.9 years; range 22–74 years) that underwent vitreous surgery at the Department of Ophthalmology at Saga University Hospital. With patients in a supine position, after topical anesthesia, an eye cup was placed between the eyelids and filled with hydroxyethyl cellulose solution and physiologic saline. With a rigid endoscope placed near the corneal surface, the target areas were then observed and recorded. The usefulness of rigid endoscopy to observe the peripheral retina was evaluated based on differences due to lens status and pupil size. RESULTS: In seven aphakic eyes, irrespective of pupil size, the peripheral retina could be observed up to the entire ora serrata (all quadrants). In eight eyes implanted with an intraocular lens, the observable area changed with pupil size and anterior capsulorrhexis size. CONCLUSION: This technique using rigid endoscopy was simple to manipulate and useful for observing and recording the peripheral retina. In particular, in aphakic eyes, irrespective of pupil size, the retina could be observed to the ora serrata.