Advanced retinal imaging and applications for clinical practice: A consensus review

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Medical Imaging
• Retinal Diagnostics

Background:

• Retinal imaging is crucial for diagnosing and managing eye conditions.
• Various imaging modalities offer unique perspectives on retinal diseases.
• Integrating data from multiple imaging techniques can be challenging.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the clinical applications, strengths, and limitations of approved retinal imaging modalities.
• To discuss the benefits and drawbacks of employing a multimodal imaging approach in ophthalmology.

Main Methods:

• Comprehensive review of current clinical retinal imaging technologies.
• Discussion of modalities including color fundus photography, widefield imaging, fundus autofluorescence, near-infrared reflectance, optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA), and en face optical coherence tomography.
• Analysis of the advantages and disadvantages of combining these imaging techniques.

Main Results:

• Each imaging modality provides distinct information about retinal pathology.
• Color fundus photography offers structural detail.
• Widefield imaging captures a broader retinal view.
• Fundus autofluorescence highlights metabolic changes.
• Near-infrared reflectance assesses retinal pigment epithelium and choroid.
• Optical coherence tomography angiography visualizes retinal vasculature without contrast dye.
• En face optical coherence tomography provides cross-sectional views.

Conclusions:

• Multimodal retinal imaging provides extensive diagnostic information.
• Understanding the specific contributions of each modality is essential for optimal patient care.
• A judicious combination of imaging techniques enhances diagnostic accuracy and treatment planning for retinal disorders.