Ophthalmic endoscope: A novel diagnostic imaging tool

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to evaluate the feasibility of ophthalmic endoscope as a diagnostic tool. This was a prospective, non-comparative, interventional clinical study of 11 consecutive patients who underwent endoscopy-assisted management for ocular pathologies. We used a fused fiber-optic type of endoscope to visualize areas of the eye which were not seen clearly, due to media opacity, through conventional viewing systems like indirect ophthalmoscopy or wide angle viewing system.  Eleven cases were enrolled in the study. Five patients underwent endoscopic examination of the fundus prior to penetrating keratoplasty (PKP) or keratoprosthesis. In one out of these 5 cases, PKP was differed due to pale optic nerve. Patient number 6, 7 & 8 were cases of recurrent vitreous hemorrhage. In these patients, endoscope was used to inspect the sclerotomy from inside and to remove incarcerated vitreous and fibro-vascular membrane. Patient number 9 was a case of poorly dilating pupil undergoing cataract surgery. Endoscope was used in this patient to locate the exact position of haptics of PCIOL. In cases 10 and 11, endoscope was used to localize ciliary sulcus and to document the position of haptics of sclera fixated IOL. Conclusion: The ophthalmic endoscope provides valuable information by illuminating, video recording, and by providing clear view of areas not visible by conventional viewing systems. It can help in management strategies in selected cases.