If a patient has proliferative diabetic retinopathy, what combination of tests might be ordered?

• A. OCT and FA
• B. OCT and topo
• C. Fundus and pachy
• D. OCT of cornea and pachy

Answer: (A)

In proliferative diabetic retinopathy, you need both the structure of the retina and its blood vessels assessed. Optical coherence tomography provides high-resolution cross-sectional images of the retina, revealing macular edema, retinal thickening, or tractional changes. Fluorescein angiography maps the retinal vasculature, showing where vessels leak and where there is nonperfusion or neovascularization. Having both tests gives a complete view: OCT tells you about the retinal anatomy and edema, while FA highlights the abnormal blood vessels and ischemic areas that guide treatments like laser photocoagulation or anti-VEGF therapy. The other test combinations don’t offer this paired view of retinal structure plus vascular status, since they involve corneal, anterior-segment, or non-retinal assessments.