title: Is routine retinal examination useful in patients with acute ischemic stroke?
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Patients with ischemic stroke have a high prevalence of hypertension and diabetes, which are major risk factors for potentially blinding retinal diseases. We studied the prevalence of retinal diseases, and the need for an ophthalmology referral, among persons with acute ischemic stroke.
  
  
  METHODS
  We conducted a prospective study of 300 consecutive patients with acute ischemic stroke. Retinal photographs were taken and assessed in a masked fashion. Patients were advised and referred if they required an ophthalmology evaluation.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Of the 286 patients with gradable photographs, retinal abnormalities were detected in 59%. Ophthalmology evaluation was advised for 3% of patients on an urgent basis and 28% on a nonurgent basis and resulted in either acute treatment or active follow-up for all who were subsequently reviewed.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Patients with acute ischemic stroke have a high prevalence of retinal abnormalities. This study suggests that a routine retinal examination may provide an opportunity to detect potentially vision-threatening retinal diseases.
authors.forename: Deidre A
authors.initials: DA
authors.lastname: De Silva
authors.forename: Tien Y
authors.initials: TY
authors.lastname: Wong
authors.forename: Hui-Meng
authors.initials: HM
authors.lastname: Chang
authors.forename: Bee-Fang
authors.initials: BF
authors.lastname: Ng
authors.forename: Gabriella
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Tikellis
authors.forename: Seang Mei
authors.initials: SM
authors.lastname: Saw
authors.forename: Fung-Peng
authors.initials: FP
authors.lastname: Woon
authors.forename: Christopher P L H
authors.initials: CP
authors.lastname: Chen
authors.forename: Meng-Cheong
authors.initials: MC
authors.lastname: Wong
mesh_terms: D000208:Acute Disease; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002545:Brain Ischemia / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology*; D003941:Diagnostic Techniques, Ophthalmological; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008485:Medical Audit; D008875:Middle Aged; D010781:Photography; D015995:Prevalence; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012017:Referral and Consultation; D012164:Retinal Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology*; D012307:Risk Factors; D020521:Stroke / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology*