Ophthalmology

Serum bilirubin is inversely correlated with diabetic retinopathy predicting progression of retinopathy over time.

Big changes to affect small vessels.

Race, socioeconomic status thought reasons behind lack of adherence to the recommendations.

Improvements in assessment and treatment of diabetic retinopathy position statement

This represents the first such update by the American Diabetes Association since 2002, and is notable for inclusion of the latest evidence and recommendations with respect to appropriate eye examination intervals, referral criteria, prevention of incidence and progression of diabetic retinopathy (DR), and treatment strategies.

Studies suggest fenofibrate can prevent microvascular changes, decrease need for surgery.

In part 4 of this Exclusive Interview, Dr. Chous discusses his findings during a clinical trial of a multi-component supplement used to intervene in the development of diabetic retinopathy and improve visual function.

The anti-vascular endothelial growth factor drugs ranibizumab and aflibercept, used to treat vision loss from diabetic macular edema (DME), and approximately 20 to 30 times more expensive than bevacizumab, are not cost-effective for treatment of DME compared to bevacizumab unless their prices decrease substantially, according to a study published online by JAMA Ophthalmology.

In part 3 of this Exclusive Interview, Dr. Chous gives a brief tour of what's on the horizon in treating diabetic eye disease.

In part 2 of this Exclusive Interview, DIC Publisher Steve Freed asks about the success of anti-VEGF agents with lower A1Cs.