Optical coherence tomography (OCT) along with a rapid remote consultation was used by researchers to speed up the diagnosis of eye stroke to expedite care and prevent vision loss.
Ophthalmologists at the New York Eye and Ear Infirmary of Mount Sinai (NYEE) launched an Eye stroke service and analysed 59 patients over an 18 month period.
The researchers placed OCT devices in three hospitals for stroke teams to send scan images to remote on-call retinal specialists for instant diagnosis and prompt treatment, if needed.
Patients waited an average two and a half hours for treatment on arrival at the hospitals; 25 patients had a confirmed eye stroke and 10 were eligible for treatment.
Researchers noted a dramatic improvement in 66% of patients within 24 hours of treatment with 56% maintaining improved vision one month following their procedure.
‘We reported a novel protocol for the diagnosis of eye strokes that not only can save vision for these patients, but also demonstrates the potential to use remote consultation for time-sensitive ophthalmic emergencies,’ said Gareth Lema, lead author of the study and vice chair of quality, safety, and experience at NYEE.
The study findings were published in Ophthalmology on February 13.
