Current Treatment Options for Diabetic Retinal Disease.
Ryan F Bloomquist1, Doan Tam Bloomquist2, Thomas W Gardner3
1School of Medicine, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina, USA.
Diabetes Technology & Therapeutics
|December 26, 2024
Summary
The number of people with diabetic retinal disease (DRD) is growing with diabetes. While DRD is treatable, not curable, new therapies offer hope for preventing vision loss.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Endocrinology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Global diabetes incidence is rising, leading to increased cases of diabetic retinal disease (DRD).
- Diabetic retinal disease, a complication of diabetes, is treatable but not curable, necessitating ongoing management and research.
- The growing prevalence of DRD poses a significant challenge to healthcare systems worldwide.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current screening recommendations for diabetic retinal disease.
- To discuss existing and emerging treatments for diabetic retinal disease.
- To explore future drug targets and clinical trials for diabetic retinopathy.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of current research and clinical guidelines.
- Analysis of therapeutic strategies for diabetic retinal disease.
- Examination of ongoing and upcoming clinical trials.
Main Results:
- Current screening protocols are crucial for early detection of DRD.
- A range of ocular and systemic medications are available for DRD management.
- Promising new drug targets and therapies are under investigation.
Conclusions:
- Effective management of diabetes is key to preventing DRD.
- Multidisciplinary care involving primary providers, optometrists, and ophthalmologists is essential.
- Advancements in DRD treatment offer a hopeful outlook for preserving vision.
Related Concept Videos
01:15Diabetes: Management and Pharmacotherapy
234
The therapy for diabetes aims to alleviate hyperglycemia-related symptoms, prevent acute metabolic decompensation, and reduce chronic end-organ complications. Glycemic control is evaluated through short-term (self-monitoring, continuous glucose monitoring) and long-term (A1c, fructosamine) metrics, enabling near real-time tracking of blood glucose levels and reflecting glycemic control over specific time frames.
Insulin remains the cornerstone of treatment for most patients with type 1 and many...
Insulin remains the cornerstone of treatment for most patients with type 1 and many...
234
01:27Open Angle Glaucoma: Treatment
391
In open-angle glaucoma, the iridocorneal angle remains open, but the trabecular meshwork becomes stiff, slowing down the outflow of aqueous humor. This causes a buildup of aqueous humor in the anterior chamber, leading to a sudden increase in intraocular pressure. The treatment for open-angle glaucoma focuses on reducing the elevated intraocular pressure by either decreasing the secretion of aqueous humor or increasing its outflow.
Drugs such as carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, α2- and...
Drugs such as carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, α2- and...
391
01:28Angle Closure Glaucoma: Treatment
435
Angle-closure glaucoma, or closed-angle glaucoma, is an eye condition where the iris bulges out and blocks the iridocorneal angle, resulting in a buildup of aqueous humor and increased intraocular pressure. Immediate medical attention is necessary due to the sudden onset of symptoms. The treatment for angle-closure glaucoma includes short-term and long-term approaches. Short-term treatment involves using eye drops like pilocarpine to lower intraocular pressure by increasing aqueous humor...
435