Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 1, 2026
05:58
Retinal Detachment Model in Rodents by Subretinal Injection of Sodium Hyaluronate
Published on: September 11, 2013
20.8K
Tractional Retinal Detachment in a Patient With a History of Methamphetamine Use
Angela J Kim1,2, Omar Sabbagh3, Osama Sabbagh1,2,4
1Department of Ophthalmology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA.
Journal of Vitreoretinal Diseases
|February 18, 2025
Summary
Tractional retinal detachments (TRD) in diabetic retinopathy (DR) can worsen with methamphetamine use, especially in patients with Moyamoya disease. This case highlights the complex interplay of these conditions affecting vision.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Diabetology
- Toxicology
Background:
- Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a leading cause of vision loss in diabetic patients.
- Tractional retinal detachments (TRD) are a severe complication of proliferative DR.
- Methamphetamine abuse is a growing public health concern with systemic and ocular implications.
Observation:
- A 38-year-old male with type 2 diabetes mellitus presented with bilateral blurry vision.
- Fundus examination, photography, and optical coherence tomography revealed bilateral TRDs.
- The patient had a history of methamphetamine abuse and was diagnosed with Moyamoya disease.
Findings:
- The patient's TRDs were initially attributed to poorly controlled DR.
- Despite controlled glycosylated hemoglobin A1c (6.3%) and metformin treatment, TRDs progressed.
- Methamphetamine abuse and Moyamoya disease were identified as significant contributing factors.
Implications:
- Methamphetamine use may exacerbate TRDs in patients with diabetic retinopathy.
- Co-existing conditions like Moyamoya disease can complicate the management of DR.
- Ophthalmologists should consider substance abuse and neurological conditions in patients with treatment-resistant DR complications.
