AAO 2025: The value of RGB imaging in OCT

SriniVas R. Sadda, MD, FARVO, a professor of ophthalmology at UCLA and the Doheny Eye Institute, discussed advancements in ophthalmological imaging technology, specifically focusing on the Silverstone platform with RGB imaging capabilities.

The key innovation of this platform is the addition of the blue wavelength in RGB imaging, which provides a more accurate and faithful color representation of eye pathologies. This technological leap allows for enhanced visualization of various medical conditions, including inflammatory diseases, tumors, and other retinal abnormalities. The blue wavelength enables clinicians to see whitish features like fibrosis and inflammation with unprecedented clarity.

The Silverstone platform stands out as a multimodal imaging powerhouse, integrating multiple imaging techniques such as Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT), Fluorescein Angiography (FA), Indocyanine Green Angiography (ICG), and autofluorescence. A particularly significant advancement is the platform's ability to perform peripheral OCT, which allows doctors to examine retinal lesions that were previously difficult to access.

Sadda emphasized the practical benefits of this technology, particularly for elderly patients. The integrated system eliminates the need to move patients between different imaging devices, which can be physically challenging and time-consuming. Additionally, the platform enables medical photographers and operators to quickly identify potential abnormalities and proactively obtain additional scans.

The technology has transformed clinical practice by providing more comprehensive and accurate diagnostic capabilities. Clinicians can now detect unexpected peripheral retinal tractions, abnormal pigmentations, and other subtle pathological changes that might have been missed using traditional examination methods.

Sadda concluded by stating that the technology has become so integral to their practice that it would be difficult to practice ophthalmology without it. The RGB and OCT integration represents a significant leap forward in medical imaging, offering unprecedented insights into retinal health and disease.