Is one 60 degrees fundus photograph sufficient for screening of proliferative diabetic retinopathy?

OBJECTIVE - To compare one 60 degrees fundus photograph to seven Field ster eo fundus photographs in identifying proliferative diabetic retinopathy. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS - A total of 44 eyes in 23 patients with modera te/severe nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy were included. Evaluation o f each eye was based on one 60 degrees fundus photograph. Eyes were re-exam ined using seven field 30 degrees stereo fundus photographs according to th e protocol of the Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study, and the photo graphs were examined independently by three ophthalmologists to identify re tinal neovascular lesions. In addition, fluorescein angiography was perform ed in all patients to verify the presence of the lesions. RESULTS - In four eyes of three patients (11.1% of eyes) evaluated based on seven field stereo photographs, retinal neovascularization was found. This condition was not found on examination of 60 degrees fundus photographs. CONCLUSIONS - Examination of one 60 degrees fundus photograph was found to be insufficient as a screening procedure in patients with moderate/severe n onproliferative diabetic retinopathy.