Impact of Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors on Subfoveal Choroidal Thickness by Enhanced-depth Spectral Domain Optical Coherence Tomography.

Significance: Risk stratification plays a large role in cardiovascular disease (CVD) management. Spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) allows for noninvasive analysis of the ophthalmic vasculature, with potential for systemic disease surveillance. Subfoveal choroidal thickness (SFCT) may serve as a marker for CVD risk and play a role in risk stratification.

Accuracy of a technology-assisted eye exam in evaluation of referable diabetic retinopathy and concomitant ocular diseases.

Background/aims: Digital retinal imaging using store-and-forward technology is used to screen for diabetic retinopathy (DR). Its usefulness in detecting non-diabetic eye diseases is uncertain. We determined the level of agreement between teleretinal imaging supplemented with visual acuity and intraocular pressure (IOP) measurements (ie, technology-assisted eye (TAE) exam) and a comprehensive eye exam in evaluation for DR and non-diabetic ocular conditions.

Teleretinal imaging for detection of referable macular degeneration.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine the sensitivity and specificity for detection of referable age-related macular degeneration (AMD) using an existing nonmydriatic telemedicine pathway for diabetic retinopathy screening with comparison to same-day face-to-face examination by a retina specialist.

Methods: Subjects in this study underwent nonmydriatic and mydriatic digital retinal imaging on the same day as stereoscopic dilated examination of the macula by a retina specialist and the level of AMD was recorded for each eye. Images were graded by two trained readers as nonreferable or referable (AREDS [Age-Related Eye Disease Study] grading of level 3 or greater).

Glaucoma medication adherence in veterans and influence of coexisting chronic disease.

Background: The aim of this study was to characterize veterans' adherence to glaucoma medications and follow-up eye care, and to examine the influence of coexisting chronic conditions such as posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)/anxiety.

Patients And Methods: A retrospective review of computerized medical records was performed for 161 veterans taking topical glaucoma medications. Medication possession ratio (MPR) was calculated using pharmacy data.

The relationship between diabetes mellitus and exfoliation syndrome in a United States Veterans Affairs population: a case-control study.

Purpose: Earlier studies suggest that an inverse relationship exists between diabetes mellitus and exfoliation syndrome (ES). We evaluated the relationship between diabetes mellitus and ES while controlling for important covariates. In addition, we investigated whether glucose control, as measured by glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels, differed between the subset of diabetic patients with and without ES.

Macular thickness and systemic markers for diabetes in individuals with no or mild diabetic retinopathy.

Background: The relationship between diabetic risk factors and macular thickness in individuals without clinically detectable diabetic macular oedema has yet to be formally explored. The purpose of this study was to assess the correlation between macular thickness and diabetes control and duration.

Methods: This was a prospective, cross-sectional study.

Longitudinal analysis of retinal changes after branch retinal artery occlusion using optical coherence tomography.

Background: Branch retinal artery occlusion (BRAO) causes inner retinal ischemia leading to permanent inner retinal dysfunction and visual field loss in affected retinal sectors. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) offers a novel way to evaluate in vivo retinal morphologic changes in BRAO in both acute and longitudinal phases. This case report describes OCT findings in BRAO at acute presentation and at follow-up, including the longitudinal evaluation of retinal and peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness.

Detection of glaucoma-like optic discs in a diabetes teleretinal program.

Background: Glaucoma is typically an insidious-onset disease with serious visual consequences that has been positively linked to diabetes mellitus (DM) in several studies. We assessed the sensitivity and specificity of a diabetes teleretinal program to identify the glaucoma-suspicious optic disc.

Methods: Outpatients with DM (N = 1,644) presenting to Veterans Affairs ambulatory clinics participated in a nonmydriatic digital retinal imaging (NMDRI) program.

Racial differences in macular thickness in healthy eyes.

Purpose: The relationship between race and macular thickness remains unknown. This relationship may be important for early and accurate diagnosis of macular disease and glaucoma, and may also provide insight into disease mechanisms. In this study, we compared macular thickness in healthy eyes of black and white subjects using optical coherence tomography (Stratus OCT).