Diabetic retinopathy: a growing concern in an aging population

Geriatrics. 2009 Feb;64(2):16-20.

Abstract

Diabetic retinopathy--already the leading cause of irreversible blindness in working age Americans--is a rising threat as the diabetic population increases. Vision loss occurs due to retinal ischemia, retinal vascular exudation, intraocular hemorrhage, and ultimately, fibrotic complications. Optimal management of blood glucose levels and hypertension reduces the incidence and progression of retinopathy. Appropriate screening ensures early detection and management of diabetic retinopathy and reduces vision loss. Recent advances in our understanding of diabetic microvascular complications have led to new treatments that, along with refinements in laser and surgical techniques, are improving visual outcomes.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Aging*
  • Angiogenesis Inhibitors / administration & dosage
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal / administration & dosage
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized
  • Bevacizumab
  • Blindness / etiology
  • Blindness / prevention & control
  • California / epidemiology
  • Diabetic Retinopathy* / diagnosis
  • Diabetic Retinopathy* / epidemiology
  • Diabetic Retinopathy* / etiology
  • Diabetic Retinopathy* / prevention & control
  • Diabetic Retinopathy* / therapy
  • Drug Therapy, Combination
  • Geriatrics
  • Glucocorticoids / administration & dosage
  • Humans
  • Incidence
  • Injections, Intralesional
  • Laser Coagulation
  • Mass Screening
  • Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
  • Ranibizumab
  • Risk Factors
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Triamcinolone / administration & dosage

Substances

  • Angiogenesis Inhibitors
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized
  • Glucocorticoids
  • Triamcinolone
  • Bevacizumab
  • Ranibizumab