Diabetic Eye Exams
In October, the International Council of Ophthalmology published updates for the Screening, Follow-up, Referral, and Treatment regarding patients with diabetes and their eye care. Their findings emphasized the global epidemic that diabetes has become, estimating that by 2040, 600 million people will have a diagnosis of diabetes. Screening recommendations have varied based on the particular organization and patient accessibility to resources. This article emphasized that if there are no signs of diabetic eye disease (retinopathy) patients should have a screening exam every 1-2 years. If any signs of retinopathy are found, repeat exams should occur every 6-12 months or more often based on disease severity.
The American Academy of Ophthalmology guidelines from 2017 specify, “People with Type 1 diabetes should have annual screenings for diabetic retinopathy beginning 5 years after the onset of their disease, whereas those with Type 2 diabetes should have a prompt examination at the time of diagnosis and at least yearly examinations thereafter.”
These recommendations are crucial as diabetic eye disease often has no symptoms and can be reversible in the early stages of diagnosis. The physicians and staff at Center for Sight are working hard to ensure patients are compliant with regular diabetic exams and work closely with local primary care providers to prevent vision threatening diabetic eye disease.
Resources:
- Wong et al. Guidelines on Diabetic Eye Care. Ophthalmology. 2018;125:1608-1622.
- The American Academy of Ophthalmology Preferred Practices 2017: https://www.aao.org/preferred-practice-pattern/diabetic-retinopathy-ppp-updated-2017
