To evaluate the availability of ultra-wide field fundus photography based on eye steering technique to diagnose retinal breaks in patients with symptomatic posterior vitreous detachment (PVD).

The medical records of patients with symptomatic PVD were reviewed. Retinal breaks were independently identified using four eye steering capture images of ultra-wide field fundus photographs. The sensitivity and specificity of eye steering capture imaging for diagnosing retinal breaks were calculated.

A total of 94 eyes of 94 patients were included. Using fundus examination after pupil dilatation, retinal breaks were diagnosed in 42 (45%) eyes. The sensitivity of the eye steering capture imaging was 98% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 88–100%), and the specificity was 98% (95% CI: 90–100%). Of the 58 retinal tears, 28 (97%) involving the superior quadrant, 10 (100%) involving the inferior quadrant, 6 (100%) involving the nasal quadrant, and 13 (100%) involving the temporal quadrant were identified using eye steering capture images.

Ultra-wide field fundus photography based on eye steering technique was useful for diagnosing retinal breaks in patients with symptomatic PVD. However, eye steering photography could not adequately replace the fundus examination after pupil dilatation in all cases.