The validity of diabetic retinopathy screening using nonmydriatic fundus camera and optical coherence tomography in comparison to clinical examination

PURPOSE: To evaluate the use of non-mydriatic fundus camera as a screening modality for diabetic retinopathy in a sample of population in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. METHODS: Patients coming, from April 2015 till September 2018, for their diabetic check up at the diabetic center clinics in King Abdul-Aziz University hospital were screened using a non-mydriatic fundus camera (NMFC). Photos were graded by retina specialist and compared to the findings of dilated fundus examination (DFE) by retina specialists. RESULTS: The grading results of NMFC and DFE were compared and the overall sensitivity and specificity for detection of diabetic retinopathy within one grade of retinopathy was 98.7% and 80% respectively. The sensitivity for detection of sight threatening conditions such as proliferative diabetic retinopathy, severe non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy, and diabetic macular edema (by Ocular Coherence Tomography) was found to be 86.7%, 90.3% and 100% respectively; while the specificity was found to be 96.5%, 93%, and 100% respectively. CONCLUSION: Non-mydriatic fundus camera has a high sensitivity and specificity in screening for diabetic retinopathy. It is a great screening tool, which is user friendly and can be operated by trained nurses in primary clinics during patient's regular routine diabetic checkups. It aids in early detection of sight threatening conditions which need urgent referral to ophthalmologists.