Purpose: Advancements in retinal imaging have augmented our understanding of the pathology and structure-function relationships of retinal disease. No single diagnostic test is sufficient; rather, diagnostic and management strategies increasingly involve the synthesis of multiple imaging modalities. Methods: This literature review and editorial offer practical clinical guidelines for how the retina specialist can use multimodal imaging to manage retinal conditions. Results: Various imaging modalities offer information on different aspects of retinal structure and function. For example, optical coherence tomography (OCT) and B-scan ultrasonography can provide insights into the microstructural anatomy; fluorescein angiography (FA), indocyanine green angiography (ICGA), and OCT angiography (OCTA) can reveal vascular integrity and perfusion status; and near-infrared reflectance and fundus autofluorescence (FAF) can characterize molecular components within tissues. Managing retinal vascular diseases often includes fundus photography, OCT, OCTA, and FA to evaluate for macular edema, retinal ischemia, and the secondary complications of neovascularization (NV). OCT and FAF play a key role in diagnosing and treating maculopathies. FA, OCTA, and ICGA can help identify macular NV, posterior uveitis, and choroidal venous insufficiency, which guides treatment strategies. Finally, OCT and B-scan ultrasonography can help with preoperative planning and prognostication in vitreoretinal surgical conditions. Conclusions: Today, the retina specialist has access to numerous retinal imaging modalities that can augment the clinical examination to help diagnose and manage retinal conditions. Understanding the capabilities and limitations of each modality is critical to maximizing its clinical utility.

Imaging is an integral part of the evaluation and management of retinal disorders. Each imaging modality has its own unique capabilities and can show a different aspect or perspective of disease. Multimodal retinal imaging provides a wealth of substantive and insightful information; however, the integration of all this complex data can be overwhelming. We discuss the applications and the strengths and limitations of the many different retinal imaging tools that are approved for clinical use. These modalities include color fundus photography, widefield imaging, fundus autofluorescence, near infrared reflectance, optical coherence tomography angiography, and en face optical coherence tomography. We also cover the advantages and disadvantages of a multimodal approach.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the results, in clinical practice, of screening procedures for hydoxychloroquine retinopathy, according to the new recommendations of the American Academy of Ophthalmology of 2011.
METHODS: Hundred and eighty-four patients on long-term hydroxychloroquine underwent ophthalmologic evaluation, including fundus examination, 10.2 automated visual field, fundus autofluorescence, SD-OCT optical coherence tomography, and multifocal ERG, whenever possible, in a prospective monocentric study.
RESULTS: There was a significant correlation (P<0.05) between cumulative HCQ dose and positive results on SD-OCT and 10.2 visual field. There were no significant correlations between high cumulative HCQ dose and positive results for fundus examination, autofluorescence, or multifocal ERG. Average cumulative doses between the healthy group (946g) and the maculopathy group (1427g) were significantly different (P<0.05). Out of 184 patients, 12 toxic maculopathies were found (prevalence 6.5%). For these 12 cases, 5 were diagnosed at clinical stages, and 7 were diagnosed in the early preclinical stage. Ten patients had positive visual fields, and 8 patients had pathological SD-OCT signs. Autofluorescence was affected in the clinical stage, but not in the preclinical stage. In four out of the twelve cases of maculopathy, patients had pathological ERG results.
CONCLUSIONS: The significant correlation between cumulative HCQ dose, considered as the main risk factor for maculopathy, and positive SD-OCT and 10.2 visual field results render the combination of these two tests the basis of the screening strategy for plaquenil maculopathy. These results suggest using a simplified screening procedure, including annual SD-OCT and 10.2 visual field while taking the cumulative dose into account. Multifocal ERG seems more helpful for diagnostic confirmation than screening, especially for the preclinical stage. Fundus autofluorescence is not an efficient test for early diagnosis.