Screening For Diabetic Retinopathy: Review of Current Methods

Objective: To review the current screening methods for diabetic retinopathy, with a focus on nonmydriatic digital fundus photography. Methods: Articles from Medline were reviewed from 1976 to November 2011 for different combinations of the words “diabetic retinopathy,” “screening,” “fundus photography,” and “nonmydriasis.” Results: Because of its ease of use and cost-effectiveness, digital fundus photography is becoming the preferred method for diagnosing diabetic retinopathy. Current research has proven that pupillary dilation is not a necessary step in the fundus examination, although it reduces the number of unnecessary referrals to ophthalmologists. Automated grading systems, while saving time and reducing human error, still need refinement before they can replace manual grading by trained ophthalmologists. Conclusion: Nonmydriatic digital fundus photography with manual grading by a trained technician is an acceptable method of screening for diabetic retinopathy.