Plain language summary: the strengths and challenges of optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) in diabetic retinopathy

<b>What is this summary about?</b> This is a summary of a review article describing the strengths and challenges of a test called optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) that can be used to assess diabetic retinopathy. Diabetic retinopathy is a common eye disease that is a leading cause of sight loss among people of working age. OCTA is a new test that takes images of the eye. These images show changes in blood flow that can give important information about diabetic retinopathy. Some scientists have started using OCTA to assess diabetic retinopathy, but the test is not yet widely used. OCTA technology is improving over time. However, further research into the use of OCTA in diabetic retinopathy is required. <b>What is the purpose of this plain language summary?</b> The purpose of this plain language summary is to help you understand the findings from recent research. The results of individual studies may vary from these combined study results. Health professionals should make treatment decisions based on all available evidence. <b>How to say (double click sound icon to play sound)…</b> Optical coherence tomography angiography: Op-ti-kuhl Co-heer-ance Tom-og-ra-fee An-jee-og-ra-feeDiabetic retinopathy: Dy-ah-bet-ic Ret-in-oh-pa-theeFoveal avascular zone: Foe-vee-al Ay-vas-kew-lar zoneFluorescein angiography: Flor-ess-ein An-jee-og-ra-feeIschemia: Iss-kee-mee-ahIntraretinal microvascular abnormalities: In-tra-ret-in-al My-cro-vas-kyu-lar Ab-nor-mal-it-eesMacula: Mah-kyu-lahEdema: Ed-eem-ahPhotocoagulation: Foe-toe-coe-ag-yu-lay-shunNeovascularisation: Nee-oh-vas-kyu-lar-y-zay-shunRetina: Reh-tin-ahVitreous: Vih-tree-us Optical coherence tomography angiography: Op-ti-kuhl Co-heer-ance Tom-og-ra-fee An-jee-og-ra-fee Diabetic retinopathy: Dy-ah-bet-ic Ret-in-oh-pa-thee Foveal avascular zone: Foe-vee-al Ay-vas-kew-lar zone Fluorescein angiography: Flor-ess-ein An-jee-og-ra-fee Ischemia: Iss-kee-mee-ah Intraretinal microvascular abnormalities: In-tra-ret-in-al My-cro-vas-kyu-lar Ab-nor-mal-it-ees Macula: Mah-kyu-lah Edema: Ed-eem-ah Photocoagulation: Foe-toe-coe-ag-yu-lay-shun Neovascularisation: Nee-oh-vas-kyu-lar-y-zay-shun Retina: Reh-tin-ah Vitreous: Vih-tree-us