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

Abstract

We sought to determine whether retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) can be evaluated and managed telemedically. Multicenter noncomparative case series. 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). Images were transmitted to a remote site for evaluation and management recommendations. Telemedical evaluations and management recommendations were compared with traditional on-site standard of care evaluations and treatments. 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. Results indicate ROP can be evaluated and treatment recommendations made at remote sites with telemedicine strategies.