The metabolic syndrome and severity of diabetic retinopathy.

Background: While metabolic syndrome has been strongly implicated as a risk factor for macrovascular diseases, such as stroke and cardiovascular disease, its relationship with microvascular diseases, including diabetic retinopathy, has been less defined. The purpose of this pilot study was to investigate the association between metabolic syndrome and the presence and severity of diabetic retinopathy.

Methods: A retrospective case-control chart review at the University of Iowa ophthalmology and primary care clinics included 100 patients with proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR), 100 patients with nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR), 100 diabetic patients without diabetic retinopathy, and 100 nondiabetic patients who were randomly selected.

Comparison of bifold forceps and cartridge injector suture pull-through insertion techniques for Descemet stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty.

Purpose: To compare the outcome of bifold forceps and cartridge injector suture pull-through insertion techniques for Descemet stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty (DSAEK).

Methods: A retrospective review was conducted of the medical records of all patients treated with DSAEK at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics from January 1, 2005 to July 1, 2007. The main outcome measures (endothelial cell loss, graft survival, and visual acuity) were evaluated postoperatively at 1, 3, 6, 12, and 24 months.