Software extrapolates informative data from OCTA images

This Focus column presents the perspectives of the author who discusses his firsthand experience with the new software.

A 74-year-old male with diabetes presented for his six-month evaluation, complaining of loss of functional vision OS. Utilizing Optovue’s AngioVue OCTA System and AngioAnalytics software to supplement the analysis, both technologies aided me in identifying an early macular change secondary to diabetes. The patient was referred to an ophthalmologist and, with one intravitreal injection, the early macular edema was resolved.

OVERVIEW

AngioAnalytics aids practitioners in assessing the acquired images of the AngioVue OCTA system for pathology, helping the practitioner to detect changes or trends (see report image below) in the posterior area of the eye and make management decisions. Specifically, the software provides measurements of the foveal avascular zone parameters, vessel density of the superficial vascular complex, deep vascular complex and radial peripapillary capillaries and flow and no flow areas in the outer retina and choroid.

All this information is provided in a report, which is available digitally and as a print-out.

PROCEDURE

Our office has had AngioAnalytics for about a year. Following image capture with the OCTA, I review the report at the work station in the exam room with the patient. This review, I have found, increases patients’ understanding of their conditions and increases their treatment compliance.

PRACTICE BENEFITS

The package of hardware and software allows me to better monitor patients who have retinal disease, such as diabetic macular edema and AMD, as well as glaucoma. This results in the best care for the patient, an improved reputation for the practice and an increase in professional fees. There are three reasons:

1. Increases patient time in the office. Because I am able to identify and monitor disease states closely, I can manage disease in the office longer, and patients can return for continuing care after treatment sooner.
2. Informs future treatments. Trend analysis information can be used to develop protocols. For example, I worked with our retina specialist to pinpoint specific retinal vascular changes that have reached an intervention point.
3. Differentiates our practice. By being an early adopter of the technology, the software sets our practice apart from others.

THE PATIENT

Because of early identification and treatment of the patient’s issues, he was able to continue at his part-time job and provide himself with a comfortable retirement. His vision remains 20/20, and his independence intact. OM

DR. KANNARR practices at Kannarr Eye Care in Pittsburg, Kan. He is on the medical staff at two hospitals and has been the principal investigator for studies of contact lenses, solutions and pharmaceuticals. He serves on multiple advisory boards and speaker panels, including Optovue, and is a Vision Source administrator.