Quantifying early diabetic retinopathy.

A precise and accurate method of numerically quantifying diabetic retinopathy, on standardised retinal colour photographs, has been developed which allows small changes and trends to be monitored. Colour slides are projected onto a screen and features noted on an acetate sheet which provides a permanent record. Sector analysis showed microaneurysms and haemorrhages to occur most often at the temporal-to-macula area, exudates at the macula and cotton wool spots on the nasal side of the retina.

Diabetic retinopathy: different risk factors for exudates and haemorrhages.

The retinae of 137 patients were examined ophthalmologically and for visual acuity at diagnosis of non-insulin dependent diabetes and again in 1982 and 1983, approximately 7 and 8 years later, when colour photographs were also taken. In 1983, 46% were without detectable retinopathy, 32% had haemorrhages (including microaneurysms) only, 4% exudates alone and 18% both lesions. Those with haemorrhages were more hyperglycaemic than those without retinopathy and those with exudates only.

Flash and pattern electroretinograms in normal and laser-induced glaucomatous primate eyes.

Experimental glaucoma was produced in one eye of five cynomolgus monkeys with the argon laser delivering 100-200 50-mu spots at 1200-1500 mW power and 0.5 sec to 360 degrees of the mid-trabecular meshwork. Monocular electroretinograms (ERGs) were recorded prior to and 2, 3, and 4 mo following the laser treatment.

Pharmacological testing in the laser-induced monkey glaucoma model.

Glaucoma was induced in cynomolgus monkeys by photocoagulating the trabecular meshwork with the argon laser. Repeat treatments were often necessary and wide intraocular pressure fluctuations were characteristic. Baseline intraocular pressure was measured with a calibrated pneumatonometer hourly for six hours.