Final answer:
Fluorescein angiography (FA) is the gold standard for diagnosing retinal/optic disc neovascularization in proliferative diabetic retinopathy and retinal ischemia. It involves injecting a dye and taking photographs of the retina. Advancements in medical imaging continue to provide new methods for diagnosing and treating retinal diseases.
Step-by-step explanation:
The gold standard for the diagnosis of retinal/optic disc neovascularization, which is characteristic of proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR), and retinal ischemia is fluorescein angiography (FA). As a diagnostic procedure, FA involves the injection of fluorescein dye into the bloodstream, followed by a series of photographs taken as the dye passes through the retinal vessels. This allows for a detailed view of the retinal and optic disc vasculature, helping to identify any abnormal neovascularization or areas of non-perfusion consistent with retinal ischemia.
Regarding specific aspects and related concepts:
- Idiopathic juxtafoveal retinal telangiectasia involves dilated, twisted blood vessels in the retina.
- The optic disc is the spot on the retina where retinal ganglion cell (RGC) axons exit the eye and where the blood vessels of the inner retina pass through.
- A rod is a type of neuron located in the outer edges of the retina that is highly sensitive to dim light, contributing to peripheral and nighttime vision.
Advancements in medical imaging, such as the use of contrast agents developed through nanotechnology or procedures like the landmark stem cell-based surgery for age-related macular degeneration (AMD), highlight the ongoing innovations in the diagnosis and treatment of retinal diseases.