Expert consensus for preoperative visual function and imaging examination standards in vitreoretinal surgery(2024)

Abstract

This consensus document aims to define a standardized protocol for visual function and imaging examinations preceding vitreoretinal surgery. Preoperative examination can significantly aid physicians in defining surgical indications, evaluating patients' conditions, and providing substantial support for designing surgical plans and predicting prognoses. Compiled by a collaborative expert group representing the Ophthalmic Imaging and Intelligent Medicine Branch of the Chinese Medicine Education Association, in tandem with the Ophthalmology Committee of International Association of Translational Medicine, this consensus integrates recent advancements and research in vitreoretinal surgery from both global and domestic contexts. Following numerous rounds of deliberations and the integration of the latest clinical data, these consensuses have been formulated with the objective of offering support in standardizing preoperative examinations for vitreoretinal surgery, with the broader aim of enhancing medical quality, optimizing resource usage, providing decision-making support, and ensuring the protection of patient rights. This document predominantly encompasses an in-depth review of preoperative examinations for vitreoretinal procedures, which includes, but is not limited to, principles, methodologies, and related precautions of ultra-wide-angle fundus imaging, fluorescein angiography, indocyanine green angiography, ophthalmic B-ultrasound examinations, ultrasound biomicroscopy, optical coherence tomography, optical coherence tomography angiography, orbital CT scan, orbital MRI, ophthalmic electrophysiology tests such as electroretinogram and visually evoked potentials and visual field.

Keywords

• vitreoretinal surgery
• preoperative examination
• ultra-widefield fundus imaging
• optical coherence tomography
• electroretinogram