Is routine retinal examination useful in patients with acute ischemic stroke?

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE 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.