Non mydriatic retinograph for the diagnosis and follow‐up of diabetic retinopathy

Abstract

Purpose To determine the validity of the non mydriatic retinograph for the early diagnosis and follow‐up of diabetic retinopathy Methods 367 eyes of diabetic patients were examined using a non mydriatic retinograph. 45º and 30º pictures were taken of 9 fields, with and without pupilar dilation. Retina was examined in mydriasis with slit lamp biomicroscopy and conventional oftalmoscopy. Both methods were compared to determine their validity in the diagnosis and gradeing of diabetic retinopathy. Results For the early diagnosis of diabetic retinopathy there was obtained a sensibility of 88‐95 %, with a specificity of 96 %. 9,5 % of the photos were not valid. To obtain a good sensibility of the retinograph in establishing the grade of diabetic retinopathy, being comparable to the established one, the conventional exploration, it was necessary to realize photos in all the nine fields and with pupilar dilation. The sensibility of detecting edema was low Conclusion The non mydriatic retinograph is a useful a tool for the screening of diabetic retinopathy in the population. Nevertheless, to determine the correct grade of the pathology, in order to permit a good follow‐up of the retinopathy, the obtained sensibility was insufficient not being adequate to substitute the indirect oftalmoscopy and slit lamp biomicroscopy.