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Diabetes, a condition affecting more than one in ten adults globally, is increasingly linked to vision-threatening diabetic retinal disease (DRD), a leading cause of preventable blindness among those aged 20-74. Experts are urging individuals with diabetes to prioritize regular eye screenings and diligent management of their condition to prevent potentially devastating vision loss.
According to a recent publication in Diabetes Technology & Therapeutics, Dr. Thomas Gardner, a professor of ophthalmology and visual sciences, highlighted the critical importance of early detection and intervention for DRD. Diabetes can damage various parts of the body, including the delicate blood vessels and nerve cells in the retina. This damage can lead to hemorrhages, abnormal blood vessel growth, and the loss of crucial nerve cells, ultimately threatening vision.
“People are usually not motivated to take action until their vision is threatened, by which time they might develop late-stage DRD,” Dr. Gardner explained. This underscores the challenge of DRD screening, as early stages often present with no noticeable symptoms.
The American Diabetes Association recommends that adults with type 2 diabetes undergo their first eye exam at diagnosis, while those with type 1 diabetes should have their initial exam within five years of diagnosis. “The guidelines for type 1 and type 2 diabetes are different because adults who have the latter can develop vision complications before they become aware of their condition,” Dr. Gardner stated. He also emphasized the heightened risk for adolescents and young adults, who often struggle with diabetes management.
Effective diabetes management involves consistent monitoring of blood sugar levels and adherence to a strict diet. Fluctuations in blood sugar, even with consistent medication and lifestyle habits, can make control challenging. Dr. Gardner also stressed the importance of managing other aspects of diabetes, including blood pressure and overall organ function.
While research continues to explore the complex effects of diabetes on the retina, promising treatments are emerging. Drugs that help control blood pressure and lipid levels, such as SGLT inhibitors, GLP-1 receptor activators, and fenofibrate, have shown potential in slowing DRD progression. These medications, primarily prescribed by physicians, offer additional avenues for managing the disease.
Dr. Gardner and his colleagues at the Caswell Diabetes Institute’s Mary Tyler Moore Vision Initiative are working to develop advanced screening techniques for early DRD detection and therapies to preserve and restore vision. “The prognosis for vision in people with diabetes is better now than it’s ever been in the past,” Dr. Gardner said, expressing optimism that vision loss can be prevented with regular screenings and appropriate treatment.
Disclaimer: This news article is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Individuals with diabetes should consult with their healthcare providers for personalized recommendations and treatment plans. Early detection and management are crucial for preventing vision loss associated with diabetic retinal disease.
