To evaluate the availability of ultra-wide-field fundus photography compared to fundus examination after pupil dilatation in Korean patients with retinal break.

For this retrospective case review of consecutive 160 patients, 230 lesions with retinal breaks were recruited. The ultra-wide-field images were taken after fundus examination with pupil dilatation performed by a retinal specialist. We analyzed ultra-wide-field images according to patient characteristics and separated area. We divided lesions into anterior and posterior areas, and each area was separated into 4 quadrants (superior, inferior, temporal, and nasal).

The sensitivity of ultra-wide-field imaging for detecting retinal break was 72% (95% confidence interval [CI] 65-79%), and the specificity was 94% (95% CI 90-98%). The sensitivity of detection of posterior retina was 89% (95% CI 85-93%), and that of anterior retina was 72% (95% CI 66-78%); this difference was significant ( p = 0.007). There was a significant statistical difference at the inferior quadrant between anterior and posterior retina, but not at superior, temporal, or nasal quadrants. The sensitivity of detection in the inferior quadrant in the anterior retina was 43% (95% CI 29-57%).

Ultra-wide-field fundus photography can detect retinal break, but there is limitation in anterior retinal lesions, especially the inferior area. Therefore, ultra-wide-field fundus photography cannot be an alternative method instead of fundus examination with pupil dilatation.