The Role of Ultra-Widefield Fundus Imaging and Fluorescein Angiography in Diagnosis and Treatment of Diabetic Retinopathy

Purpose of Review: Early detection and treatment are important for preventing vision loss from diabetic retinopathy. Historically, the gold standard for grading diabetic retinopathy has been based on 7-field 30-degree color fundus photographs that capture roughly the central third of the retina. Our aim was to review recent literature on the role of ultra-widefield (allowing capture of up to 82% of the retina in one frame) fundus imaging in screening, prognostication, and treatment of diabetic retinopathy. Recent Findings: Ultra-widefield fundus imaging can capture peripheral retinal lesions outside the traditional 7-field photographs that may correlate with increased risk of diabetic retinopathy progression. The speed and ability to image through undilated pupils make ultra-widefield imaging attractive for tele-ophthalmology screening. Ultra-widefield fluorescein angiography may help guide targeted laser treatment in eyes with proliferative diabetic retinopathy. Summary: Ultra-widefield imaging has potential to help shape new diabetic retinopathy screening, staging, and treatment protocols.