The American Diabetes Association met recently and had several presentations on diabetic retinopathy which were covered by Ocular Surgery News. There were several key takeaways in preliminary research results and diagnostics from the event.

Dig into these case studies from the 2014 American Diabetes Association Meeting.

1. During one discussion, results from a phase III study comparing the efficacy of laser treatment against aflibercept for the treatment of diabetic macular edema (DME) were presented. The main points observed during this study were that randomized participants treated with laser did poorly overall. By studying the effects for all participants, it was shown that patients with the worst levels of HbA1c received no benefit at all from laser therapy, whereas those whose levels were well-maintained did see some benefit. Essentially, the main takeaway is that proper management of diabetes can reduce the need for either of the treatments.
2. Retinopathy was a primary outcome in the Diabetes Control and Complications Trial (DCCT). As a secondary portion of the DCCT, the results for adolescents between the ages of 13 and 17 were separated, and findings unveiled that routine eye exams based solely on condition and age were not beneficial if no retinopathy was discovered upon first examination. Read more about this study’s detailed finding at Helio.
3. Already approved by the Food and Drug Administration for other purposes, the drug Singulair may be indicative to block the leukotriene pathway which could result in diabetic retinopathy development. Although further study is required, the results at this time are promising.
4. Ultra-widefield retinal imaging devices with or without the use of fluorescein angiography are proving helpful in monitoring patients and developing earlier treatment for patients at risk for diabetic retinopathy. Since dilation is not required for an optomap retinal eye exam, patients are well able to tolerate them and the images make comparison and early detection possible for eyecare professionals.

As proponents of early detection and treatment of diabetic retinopathy, Optos is pleased to see our technology is making a difference. The Optos ultra-widefield retinal imaging devices can make a big difference for your diabetic patients. Contact us to learn how to partner with us to provide advanced care for your patients that are at risk for retinophathy.

Image Source: freedigitalphotos