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Proliferative diabetic retinopathy: from screening to treatment
Author(s) -
TADROS C,
MANSOUR T,
PETO T
Publication year - 2011
Publication title -
acta ophthalmologica
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.534
H-Index - 87
eISSN - 1755-3768
pISSN - 1755-375X
DOI - 10.1111/j.1755-3768.2011.354.x
Subject(s) - medicine , referral , diabetic retinopathy , population , diabetes mellitus , pediatrics , ophthalmology , blindness , optometry , family medicine , environmental health , endocrinology
Purpose To assess if the guidelines for referral and treatment of proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) in the English National Screening Programme are being followed in Tower Hamlets Diabetic Retinopathy Screening Service(THDRSS). The guidelines mandate that all patients with PDR must be seen within 2 weeks in an eye clinic and should be treated within 4 weeks if needed. This can potentially decrease blindness related to PDR in the underprivileged population of Tower Hamlets of East London, UK. Methods During the period from 01/04/2010‐31/03/2011, 34 patients were diagnosed with retinal changes characteristic of PDR at THDRSS. All patients were referred to Moorfields Eye Hospital (MEH). The times between screening and referral and referral to treatment were measured. Images were reviewed if there was a discrepancy between screening and clinical diagnosis. Results All patients were referred to MEH on the same day of screening. Five patients did not attend any appointments given and were referred back to THDRSS and education on eye health. The remaining 29 patients were examined at MEH within 6 weeks from screening but only five (17.24%) were examined within the recommended 2 weeks. Half of those requiring laser for PDR were treated on the day of the first consultation and the other half within 4 weeks. Three patients had asymmetrical disease and these were confirmed to be retinal vein occlusions. Conclusion Referral guidelines were followed by THDRSS with 100% of the patients referred on time. Guidelines for timely treatment of PDR patients were followed at MEH. This may contribute to the prevention of severe complications from PDR in this population. The delay between screening and first appointment will warrant further investigation.