Advances in Retinal Imaging Techniques: Oct, Fundus Autofluor-Escence, and Beyond

Abstract

Background: Advances in retinal imaging techniques have revolutionized the diagnosis and management of retinal diseases. Technologies such as Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT), Fundus Autofluorescence (FAF), and emerging methods like OCT Angiography (OCTA) have provided high- resolution images, improving the ability to detect and monitor conditions like age-related macular degeneration (AMD), diabetic retinopathy, and glaucoma. These imaging modalities have enabled early diagnosis and better treatment outcomes.
Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of OCT, FAF, and emerging imaging technologies in the diagnosis and management of retinal diseases, focusing on their sensitivity, specificity, and clinical applications.
Materials and Methods: This retrospective study included 150 patients diagnosed with retinal diseases such as AMD, diabetic retinopathy, and glaucoma. Each patient underwent OCT, FAF, and OCTA imaging, and their diagnostic data were collected. The sensitivity and specificity of each imaging modality in detecting retinal diseases were analyzed using statistical measures, including P-values and R-values.
Results: OCT showed the highest sensitivity (95%) and specificity (90%) for detecting early-stage AMD, while FAF was particularly effective in diagnosing Stargardt's disease (92% sensitivity). OCTA demonstrated great utility in identifying microvascular changes in diabetic retinopathy (94% sensitivity). SS-OCT provided enhanced imaging of the vitreoretinal interface and choroid in glaucoma patients.
Conclusion: The study concluded that OCT, FAF, and OCTA are highly effective in diagnosing retinal diseases, each offering unique advantages. Their combined use improves the accuracy of diagnosis, aids in monitoring disease progression, and facilitates personalized treatment approaches. Emerging imaging technologies such as OCTA hold promise for further advancing retinal diagnostics and patient care.
Keywords: Retinal imaging, Optical Coherence Tomography, Fundus Autofluorescence, OCT Angiography, retinal diseases, AMD, diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma