Diabetic retinopathy (treatment)
Quresh Amir Mohamed1, Adam Ross, Colin Jonathan Chu
1Ophthalmology Department, Gloucestershire NHS Foundation Trust, Gloucester, UK.
BMJ Clinical Evidence
|May 26, 2011
Summary
This systematic review evaluates treatments for diabetic retinopathy, a leading cause of blindness. It found evidence on laser photocoagulation, corticosteroids, and anti-VEGF therapies for effective management.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Diabetology
- Evidence-Based Medicine
Background:
- Diabetic retinopathy is a primary cause of blindness in the UK.
- Risk factors include age, poor diabetes control, hypertension, and hyperlipidaemia.
- Pathological changes include microaneurysms, haemorrhages, exudates, vascular alterations, and retinal thickening.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review the effects of treatments for diabetic retinopathy.
- To assess treatments for vitreous haemorrhage associated with diabetic retinopathy.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of 58 studies (reviews, RCTs, observational studies) up to June 2010.
- Searches included Medline, Embase, and The Cochrane Library.
- Included harms alerts from regulatory agencies (FDA, MHRA).
Main Results:
- Evaluated the quality of evidence for various interventions using GRADE.
- Synthesized information on the effectiveness and safety of treatments.
Conclusions:
- Presents findings on peripheral retinal laser photocoagulation.
- Details effectiveness of focal/grid laser photocoagulation for maculopathy.
- Summarizes data on corticosteroids for macular oedema, VEGF inhibitors, and vitrectomy for vitreous haemorrhage.
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