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Screening for diabetic eye disease by optometrists using slit lamps
G P Leese1, S Tesfaye, M Dengler-Harles
1Department of Diabetes and Ophthalmology, Walton Hospital, Liverpool.
Journal of the Royal College of Physicians of London
|January 1, 1997
Summary
Hospital optometrists effectively screened 622 diabetic patients for diabetic eye disease using a slit lamp. The study identified significant rates of retinopathy and maculopathy, highlighting a cost-effective screening method.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Diabetology
- Optometry
Background:
- Diabetic eye disease is a leading cause of vision loss.
- Early detection and intervention are crucial for managing diabetic retinopathy and maculopathy.
- Current screening methods may have limitations in accessibility or cost.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of hospital-based optometrists in screening for diabetic eye disease.
- To assess the utility of slit-lamp examination with a Volk lens for detecting retinopathy and maculopathy.
- To determine the rate of referral for further ophthalmological evaluation.
Main Methods:
- Screening of 622 diabetic patients by hospital-based optometrists.
- Utilized a slit lamp with a 78-dioptre Volk lens for fundus examination.
- Measured visual acuity and intraocular pressure concurrently.
Main Results:
- 149 patients (24.0%) showed background retinopathy/maculopathy.
- 32 patients (5.1%) had advanced retinopathy/maculopathy.
- 86 patients (13.8%) were referred for specialist ophthalmology care.
Conclusions:
- Hospital-based optometrists can effectively screen for diabetic eye disease using slit-lamp technology.
- This method identifies sight-threatening diabetic eye conditions and other eye diseases.
- The approach is cost-effective and facilitates timely referral to specialists.