The Role of Retinal Imaging and Portable Screening Devices in Tele-ophthalmology Applications for Diabetic Retinopathy Management

Published Online

Nov, 2016

Authors

  • Delia Cabrera DeBuc, Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, USA

Abstract
In the years since its introduction, retinal imaging has transformed our capability to visualize the posterior pole of the eye. Increasing practical advances in mobile technology, regular monitoring, and population screening for diabetic retinopathy management offer the opportunity for further development of cost-effective applications through remote assessment of the diabetic eye using portable retinal cameras, smart-phone-based devices and telemedicine networks. Numerous retinal imaging methods and mobile technologies in tele-ophthalmology applications have been reported for diabetic retinopathy screening and management. They provide several advantages of automation, sensitivity, specificity, portability, and miniaturization for the development of point-of-care diagnostics for eye complications in diabetes. The aim of this paper is to review the role of retinal imaging and mobile technologies in tele-ophthalmology applications for diabetic retinopathy screening and management. At large, although improvements in current technology and telemedicine services are still needed, telemedicine has demonstrated to be a worthy tool to support health caregivers in the effective management and prevention of diabetes and its complications.

This article is part of the Topical Collection on Microvascular Complications—Retinopathy

Keywords
Telemedicine Tele-ophthalmology Retinal imaging Portable devices Diabetes mellitus Diabetic retinopathy
Link to full content:https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27841014

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