Imaging in retinal vascular disease: A review

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Medical Imaging
• Vascular Biology

Background:

• Retinal vascular diseases are a significant cause of vision impairment.
• Accurate diagnosis and monitoring are crucial for effective management.
• Various imaging modalities are employed for retinal assessment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide a comprehensive overview of current and emerging retinal imaging techniques.
• To highlight the role of imaging in staging and monitoring key retinal vascular diseases.
• To discuss the potential of artificial intelligence in retinal image analysis.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on retinal imaging techniques.
• Focus on established methods like color fundus photography and OCT.
• Inclusion of advanced techniques such as widefield imaging, fluorescein angiography, and OCT angiography.

Main Results:

• Retinal imaging is essential for diagnosing, prognosing, and following retinal vascular diseases.
• Widefield imaging enhances visualization of the retinal periphery.
• Artificial intelligence shows promise for automated image analysis and prognostic evaluation.

Conclusions:

• A range of imaging techniques are available for retinal vascular disease management.
• Technological advancements continue to improve diagnostic and prognostic capabilities.
• Future applications of AI in retinal imaging hold significant potential for patient outcomes.