Diabetic Eye Disease and Low Vision
Diabetic Eye Disease and Low Vision
Diabetic retinopathy is the most common cause of registrable blindness among the working age population of the UK. Primary prevention associated with improved medical management and the introduction of national screening programmes aim to reduce the incidence of eye disease. Should retinopathy develop, there are several treatments that can help to preserve vision. While these interventions can prevent or delay visual loss, many patients with diabetes still experience significant functional and practical difficulties as a result of impaired vision. Recognising visual problems at an early stage is important as this ensures improved support from the multidisciplinary team with appropriate education, timely visual impairment registration and access to support services.
Despite improved detection and increasing availability of effective treatment, the prevalence of DR is increasing. Better medical management of diabetes, early detection and timely treatment of DR reduce the risk of blindness. However, patients at any stage of their disease may be struggling to cope with the practical difficulties related to impaired vision. This presents a challenge to the ophthalmologist and the diabetes team, who must balance the need to motivate patients to persevere with treatment, with the promotion of early contact with rehabilitation services. This overview highlights the current issues associated with visual impairment and diabetes and includes practical advice for those working with patients in community and hospital-based practice.
Abstract and Introduction
Abstract
Diabetic retinopathy is the most common cause of registrable blindness among the working age population of the UK. Primary prevention associated with improved medical management and the introduction of national screening programmes aim to reduce the incidence of eye disease. Should retinopathy develop, there are several treatments that can help to preserve vision. While these interventions can prevent or delay visual loss, many patients with diabetes still experience significant functional and practical difficulties as a result of impaired vision. Recognising visual problems at an early stage is important as this ensures improved support from the multidisciplinary team with appropriate education, timely visual impairment registration and access to support services.
Introduction
Despite improved detection and increasing availability of effective treatment, the prevalence of DR is increasing. Better medical management of diabetes, early detection and timely treatment of DR reduce the risk of blindness. However, patients at any stage of their disease may be struggling to cope with the practical difficulties related to impaired vision. This presents a challenge to the ophthalmologist and the diabetes team, who must balance the need to motivate patients to persevere with treatment, with the promotion of early contact with rehabilitation services. This overview highlights the current issues associated with visual impairment and diabetes and includes practical advice for those working with patients in community and hospital-based practice.
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