For people over 40, diabetic retinopathy (DR), is the number one reason for the development of blindness, and these numbers are expected to triple over the next few decades as the diabetes epidemic continues to grow, according to an article published by Retinal Physician. With the ability of optomap® to capture a high resolution, 200 degree view of the retina in a single scan, ultra-widefield (UWF™) retinal imaging may enable improved diagnosis, better classification, and earlier detection of disease progression, with the potential to guide our treatment strategies in patients with DR.

The traditional retinal imaging practice was to use a fundus camera and pupil dilation to achieve a 30 degree view of the retina. Capturing images from seven different fields to obtain a 100 degree view of the retina required skilled technical ability on behalf of the practitioner, as well as a high level of cooperation from the patient. Once wide-angled angiography entered the market, the viewing area of the retina was increased to between 150-160 degrees. However, the contact lenses required made the system more challenging for the doctor and was more intrusive to the patient than the fundus camera. The advent of Optos technology, which provides a 200 degree view of the retina in a single scan, was groundbreaking not only because of the wide view, but also because it was far easier for the doctor and non-invasive for the patient, all while consistently producing high quality images.

A case study conducted at the Jules Stein Eye Institute was completed with a 70-year old woman who had undergone previous photocoagulation for ischemia due to high-risk proliferative DR, presented with reduced vision after roughly 12 months. Suspecting macular edema, a UWF optomap with fa was performed. While the optomap did, in fact, confirm the macular edema, neovascularization was found in multiple areas of both eyes that were undetected during the physical exam. The findings allowed the doctors to develop a targeted photocoagulation treatment for the patient.

To learn more about diabetic retinopathy and UWF, we invite you to peruse our case studies or contact us to learn how Optos can help your patients and your practice.