What's one OCTA-based sign or threshold you use to triage nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy for timely retinal referral in a primary care optometry setting? Why has this single criterion proven actionable for you?

In primary care optometry, assessing nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR) through OCTA can reveal macular ischemia, indicated by reduced capillary density in the parafoveal area. This finding is crucial for understanding retinal damage and its risk of progressing to proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR), warranting timely referrals for specialized care. OCTA imaging provides a non-invasive way to evaluate retinal vascular status and patient stratification.