In this episode we walk through a case of diabetic retinopathy (DR) with Dr. Al-khersan. This episode focuses less on the granular details of grading DR and more on how to interpret relevant information from a diabetic eye exam.

Learning points from this episode:

Common causes for decreased vision in diabetes

• Vitreous hemorrhage
• Macular Edema
• Cataracts
• Tractional Retinal Detachment

Common causes of decreased vision in ANYONE

• Misplaced glasses?
• Presbyopia

A framework for taking a solid ocular history for EVERY patient

• HPI, “what brings you in today?”
• Past Medical History
• Medications
• Drops, if using, frequency, which eye
• Past Ocular History
• Past Ocular Surgical History
• Allergies to drops
• Glasses Rx

Follow-up questions for the patient:

• Previous intravitreal injections (anti-VEGF, steroids)?
• Have they been hospitalized
• Recent HbA1C, or common at home glucose readings

Ocular Vitals:

• External (bruising, BCC, lesions, proptosis, ptosis)
• Visual acuity, best corrected
• Pupils
• IOP
• EOM
• Confrontational VF

Slit Lamp findings associated with diabetes

• Rubeosis iridis
• Hyphema
• Cataracts
• Retinal Hemorrhage
• Vitreous Hemorrhage

Imaging modalities

• OCT
• Fluorescein Angiography

The Lens Pod is a podcast intended for educational uses only and reflects the opinions of the hosts and guests.