Abstract
Optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) is a novel non-invasive imaging modality for 3-dimensional visualization of retinal and optic nerve capillary networks. In this article, a comprehensive review of relevant original articles in the PubMed database was performed using the search terms “diabetic retinopathy,” “diabetic macular edema,” “diabetes mellitus,” and “optical coherence tomography angiography.” OCTA was found to detect microvascular changes early in diabetes mellitus, even before they become clinically evident. Morphological and qualitative assessment of vascular changes can help to determine the pathophysiological processes, activity, treatment, and follow-up of diabetic retinopathy (DR). Vessel density and foveal avascular zone are the most investigated quantified indices shown to be early predictors of DR, correlated to DR severity and visual function, and useful in predicting response to treatment. OCTA has shown to be a promising alternative to fluorescein angiography in the management of DR. Further studies are warranted to determine the role of OCTA in the routine clinical management of DR.
Highlights
The introduction of optical coherence tomography (OCT) in 1991[1] and its evolution has revolutionized retinal imaging
We aimed to review the main findings, and discuss the applications and limitations of OCT angiography (OCTA) in diabetic retinopathy (DR)
DR is prevalent among diabetics and is among the leading causes of blindness in developed countries.[2]
Summary
The introduction of optical coherence tomography (OCT) in 1991[1] and its evolution has revolutionized retinal imaging. OCT is unique as it is comparable to histological microscopy in imaging the retina. OCT is an essential imaging modality which has no practical alternative in the objective and quantitative management of vitreoretinal diseases including diabetic maculopathy.[1,2] OCT does. Quick Response Code: Website: www.jovr.org not provide direct information regarding functional and dynamic changes in the retinal and choroidal structures and vasculature including velocity of blood flow, distinction between afferent arteries and efferent veins, or identification of vascular permeability changes. Fluorescein angiography (FA) and indocyanine green angiography (ICGA) still remain the standard imaging modalities to visualize blood vessels and the dynamic changes within the retinal vasculature.
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