Retinal vascular disease: Think globally

Article

In patients with signs of retinal vascular disease, optometrists must consider the bigger picture. If a patient has hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia or associated retinal changes, optometrists should be asking whether the patient has metabolic syndrome.

"Metabolic syndrome is a complex disorder with rising prevalence that is associated with significantly increased risks of cardiovascular disease and diabetes, but also with microvascular disease, including retinal complications that may put patients at risk for sight-threatening events," said Dr. Joy, Mooresville, NC.

"Therefore, in our everyday busy practices," he continued, "it is increasingly important that optometrists look at patients globally in terms of their overall systemic health and work collaboratively with our colleagues in primary care and retina to ensure that all treatable conditions are addressed and to help patients maintain optimal vision."

"Optometrists are very good at recognizing the individual pathological changes associated with diabetes, hypertension, or hypercholesterolemia. Considering the diagnosis of metabolic syndrome is a different and very important thought process," he said.

Recent Videos
Dr Jamie Kuzniar discusses higher order aberrations and premium scleral lenses
Abby Gillogly Harsch, OD, FAAO, FSLS, shares a specific complex case of scleral lens fitting that she presented on at this year's GSLS.
Sherrol Reynolds, OD, FAAO, values the ophthalmic-optometric collaboration on display at the summit, running from February 14-17, 2025 in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
Katie Rachon, OD, FAAO, Dipl ABO, shares her excitement for the upcoming conference and what it means for an optometrist's toolbox.
EnVision Summit Cochair Cecelia Koetting, OD, FAAO, Dipl ABO, says that attendees should get ready for more discussion-based panels at this year's conference.
From contact lens dropout to addressing diabetic retinopathy in rural communities, optometrists choose an area of eye care research that they would expand, given the appropriate resources.
Bonnie An Henderson in an interview for the EnVision Summit
© 2025 MJH Life Sciences

All rights reserved.