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To the Editor:
—In his article, "Retinal Changes Associated with Diabetes and with Hypertension," published in the February 1945 issue of the Archives, Ballantyne presents illustrations showing dilatations of capillaries in the retina which he calls microaneurysms. He states that in fixed preparations "the aneurysms can be clearly seen in greater number than on ophthalmoscopic examination." I do not know whether the term aneurysm can properly be applied to a capillary dilatation, but from his illustrations and description there is no doubt that Ballantyne saw numerous capillary dilatations. This is in accord with the assumption which I made in my publication "Problem of Diabetic Retinitis" (Arch. Ophth.25: 139-148 [Jan.] 1941). I expressed the opinion that in view of the present understanding of local circulatory disturbances in an organ, "the hemorrhages in the retina must be considered as the result of prestasis, that is, the result of slowing of the