If a patient has proliferative diabetic retinopathy, which imaging tests might be ordered?

If a patient has proliferative diabetic retinopathy, which imaging tests might be ordered?

• A. Optical coherence tomography and topography
• B. Optical coherence tomography and fluorescein angiography
• C. Optical coherence tomography of the cornea and pachymetry
• D. Fundus photography and pachymetry

Answer: (B)

Imaging in proliferative diabetic retinopathy focuses on both retinal structure and retinal vasculature. Optical coherence tomography shows cross‑sectional retinal morphology, so it’s great for detecting and measuring macular edema and other structural changes. Fluorescein angiography visualizes the retinal vessels by tracking a dye as it flows through the retina, revealing neovascularization, leakage, and areas of nonperfusion that define proliferative disease. Together, these two tests give a complete picture needed to assess severity and guide treatment. Other options focus on the cornea or use only sponsor-level fundus images without detailed vascular information, so they don’t provide the essential detail about neovascularization and leakage that fluorescein angiography adds, which is crucial in planning management for proliferative disease.

Imaging in proliferative diabetic retinopathy focuses on both retinal structure and retinal vasculature. Optical coherence tomography shows cross‑sectional retinal morphology, so it’s great for detecting and measuring macular edema and other structural changes. Fluorescein angiography visualizes the retinal vessels by tracking a dye as it flows through the retina, revealing neovascularization, leakage, and areas of nonperfusion that define proliferative disease. Together, these two tests give a complete picture needed to assess severity and guide treatment.

Other options focus on the cornea or use only sponsor-level fundus images without detailed vascular information, so they don’t provide the essential detail about neovascularization and leakage that fluorescein angiography adds, which is crucial in planning management for proliferative disease.