OPTOMAP WIDEFIELD IMAGING OF THE ARGUS II RETINAL PROSTHESIS IN PATIENTS WITH RETINITIS PIGMENTOSA

Purpose To explore the utility of using ultra-widefield imaging to visualize the Argus II implant in the eyes of three patients with retinitis pigmentosa. Methods Case series of three patients with retinitis pigmentosa who were implanted with the Argus II Retinal Prosthesis System; two of whom were enrolled in the Argus II clinical trial and one received the implant after the commercial release of the device. Optomap widefield fundus autofluorescence and color images of both eyes were taken in all three patients by an experienced technician using the Optos 200Tx imaging system. Analysis focused on fundus autofluorescence images of the implanted eyes and consisted of assessing the location and configuration of the Argus II electrode array and cable, and also the condition of the surrounding retina. Analysis was led by an experienced vitreoretinal surgeon. Results Optos fundus autofluorescence images of the implanted eyes in all 3 patients gave a wide-angle view of the retina, with the electrode array and cable clearly visible. The status of the array and cable was able to be determined without difficulty. All 3 cases showed an appropriate mild-to-moderate bowing of the cable, and also the electrode array being positioned on or near the macula with a superotemporal tilt. Other features, such as "bone spicules," were also clearly seen. Optos color images were not as useful in the analysis because of an exaggerated green light artifact seen in the implanted versus the nonimplanted eyes. Conclusion Optomap fundus autofluorescence widefield images are useful in determining the configuration of the Argus II cable and the position of the electrode array on the retina and therefore are a useful component of the postoperative surveillance of patients implanted with the device. Using autofluorescence avoids the generation of a light reflection artifact often seen with Optos color imaging.