About this Research Topic
In the past decades we have observed a dramatic increase in the number of people affected by retinal and optic nerve diseases worldwide. To achieve better patient management, we need to work to better implement our knowledge to the diagnosis and treatment of these diseases. Recently, several clinical aspects of retinal diseases (i.e. macular and vascular retinal diseases) and optic nerve diseases have been elucidated, thanks to new high-resolution multimodal imaging modalities. Namely, the introduction of optical coherence tomography angiography (OCT-A) as a diagnostic tool has allowed us to investigate the retinal, choroidal and optic nerve vascular alterations of ophthalmic diseases in a noninvasive way. The identification of new OCT-A biomarkers is of paramount importance to early diagnosis and to understanding the mechanisms behind the pathophysiology and therapies of retinal and optic nerve diseases.
The identification of new OCT-A biomarkers and mechanisms behind the pathophysiology and management of ophthalmic diseases is an area of significant research efforts, attracting ophthalmologists from a diverse range of fields. These include experts in macular diseases (i.e. age-related macular degeneration, myopia, central serous chorioretinopathy), vascular retinal diseases (i.e. diabetic retinopathy, retinal vein and/or artery occlusion), and optic nerve diseases (i.e. diabetic papillopathy, glaucoma, anterior ischemic optic neuropathies, Leber's Hereditary Optic Neuropathy, dominant optic atrophy). However, OCT-A findings are often reported in a non-methodical and confusing way, making it difficult to understand their real meaning and value.
In this Research Topic, we would like to clarify the different aspects of the application of OCT-A to retinal and optic nerve diseases, from pathophysiology, to early diagnosis, and clinical management. We hope to compile the latest research on, and clinical applications of, this new and important technology. This Research Topic aims to create a multidisciplinary forum of discussion on the role and the clinical applications of optical coherence tomography angiography to the diagnosis and management of retinal and optic nerve diseases. In detail, for this Research Topic we welcome submissions of Original Research, Brief Research Reports, Case Reports and Reviews of exceptional merit addressing one or more of the following topics:
• Identification of OCT-A biomarkers in the early diagnosis of retinal and optic nerve diseases;
• Identification of OCT-A biomarkers useful in the management and follow-up of diseases;
• Application of OCT-A in the understanding of the pathogenesis of the retinal and optic nerve diseases;
• Clinical applications of OCT-A in retinal and optic nerve diseases.
Keywords: age-related macular degeneration, maculopathy, multimodal imaging, optical coherence tomography angiography, retinal diseases
Important Note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.
