At a Glance
- Researchers suggest a new exam schedule for diabetic retinopathy, a vision-threatening eye disease, based on individual risk level.
- The next step is for experts to consider modifying clinical guidelines for eye exams for people with type 1 diabetes.
People with diabetes have blood sugar (glucose) levels that are too high. Over time, high levels of blood glucose can cause health problems, such as eye damage. The part of the eye most at risk for damage is the retina, the light-sensitive tissue that lines the back of the eye. Without treatment, retinal damage can lead to permanent blindness.
Signs of diabetic retinal disease (retinopathy) can be detected through a comprehensive dilated eye exam before symptoms occur and in time take action to prevent vision loss. Pupil dilation, or widening, is an important part of the exam because it allows a much better view of the retina. To diagnose diabetic eye disease while it is treatable, experts currently suggest that people with type 1 diabetes get an eye exam at least once a year starting three to five years after diagnosis.
Recent studies to find out whether the exam frequency could be tailored to individual risk, researchers analyzed 30 years of data from about 1,400 people with type 1 (insulin-dependent) diabetes. The study was funded mainly by NIH’s National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK). NIH’s National Eye Institute (NEI) and others also provided support. Results were published on April 20, 2017, in the New England Journal of Medicine.
The researchers analyzed data from about 24,000 eye exams with retinal photography. The results enabled them to develop a model to predict the likelihood of an individual progressing to significant, vision-threatening retinopathy based on their current retina exam and blood glucose level.
The findings from the research gives pause to the current recommendation.
The analysis showed that, among people with type 1 diabetes and recent blood glucose level near the normal range (as measured by an A1C level of 6%), those with no detectable retinal damage could be screened every four years. Those with mild retinal damage could be examined every three years without increasing the risk of vision loss. People with moderate or severe retinal damage, the researchers found, should be examined more often than the current recommendation: every six or three months, respectively. On average, this tailored schedule would result in fewer eye exams and earlier detection and treatment to save vision.
Telemedicine offers more convenience with remote fundus photography performed in primary care physician offices using retinal fundus cameras connected to the internet, and having images read by a qualified ophthalmologist.
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