Management of Diabetic Retinopathy

Changing Approach to Diabetic Retinopathy Management

In 2015, there were 415 million people worldwide living with diabetes. Of those, 145 million had diabetic retinopathy (DR), and roughly one-third of those had severe vision loss, according to the International Diabetes Federation. By 2040, experts estimate 224 million people will have some form of DR and 70 million will have vision-threatening DR.

Study results now indicate that early diagnosis and referral to a retina specialist for treatment of DR can help slow the disease progression. Patients must be educated about the importance of regular examinations because microvascular damage is often present even in patients without overt disease.

This activity will focus on the importance of early and timely referral of patients with DR to retina specialists and understanding how DR may affect patients with cataracts.