The old saying, “a picture is worth a thousand words,” is certainly true when we are referring to the diagnostic images that we now have available to us in retina. Because of the advances that have been made in the quality, speed, dimension, and expanded view of diagnostic imaging equipment, clinicians are now able to see things in the back of the eye that were previously impossible.

Fluorescein angiography (FA), which we have been using for more than 40 years, was nothing less than a revolutionary advance in retinal imaging and opened wide the field of medical retina. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) technology and the next-generation spectral-domain (SD) OCT have taken this revolution to a new level. The proliferation of SD-OCT machines currently on the market reflects the demand for newer, better ways to obtain more information on our patients' diseases. The competition between manufacturers can only be good for clinicians, as companies must innovate with that much more vigor to stay in the game.

Innovation, however, does not stop at OCT. Alongside the developments in SD-OCT equipment there are several different imaging technologies that have become extremely useful to us in practice. Ultra widefield angiography and fundus autofluorescence are expanding the range of pathology that we can detect, while increasing our understanding of the pathophysiology of disease at the same time. Ultrasound technology, which has been used for decades, has nonetheless advanced also, enabling us to diagnose and follow characteristics of lesions and tumors that were previously undetectable.

Not last on this list of innovation is digital photography. The ability to capture an image and then project it on large screen for the patient has changed my practice. This represents an enormous advance in patient education, and in turn, patient care. With digital photography, I can show a patient his or her pathology and have them truly understand a course of treatment, making the patient a partner in his or her care.

In this issue, we have no less than nine articles covering SD-OCT technology, advanced retinal cameras, fundus autofluorescence technology, ultra widefield angiography, and ultrasound technology. Some of the articles speak directly to the technology itself. Most, however, take a clinical angle, so that readers not only learn about machine features but also important pearls regarding how to improve patient care with the valuable information obtained through imaging.

ON TO 2010
This issue of Retina Today marks the last issue of 2009. Along with Allen Ho and the editorial and publishing staff of Retina Today, I wish our readers a happy and prosperous New Year. We are looking forward to continuing our comprehensive coverage of all things retina in 2010.