Utility of noninvasive imaging modalities in a retina practice

Fluorescein angiography (FFA) has been the gold standard to understand, diagnose and treat retinal disorders. However, being an invasive procedure it has several limitations including adverse drug reactions. Hence, noninvasive tests that can be repeated during the course of the disease are the need of the hour. The aim of our study was to compare images of patients with retinal microvasculature pathology taken from three different imaging modalities (invasive vs. noninvasive). Lesions were detected more easily and with a greater resolution of morphology on retinal function imaging (RFI) and optical coherence tomography angiography (angio-OCT). Functional integrity of the vessels was better delineated on FFA. RFI and angio-OCT are noninvasive rapid and efficient methods to image vascular conditions with easy repeatability and negligible adverse effects.