Study Says Diabetic Vision Loss Can Be Predicted, Possibly Thwarted

Researchers have found that mapping the locations of lesions in the eye can help predict diabetic retinopathy ("diabetic blindness"). The study, published in Diabetologica, shows that early lesions are predictive of whether retinopathy will occur.

The study used image analysis algorithms and images from patients at earliest diagnosis and compared to final diagnoses. Those who eventually suffered from diabetic retinopathy were most likely to have an early retina image showing lesions in certain areas, the research found.

The evidence could be used to optimize screening programs for retinopathy.

Higher risk diabetics could have their likelihood of blindness determined early on with preventive measures or treatments being utilized before the onset of retinopathy. Plotting lesion locations relative to the retina gives a "map" of the eye that can be used to determine risk factors.


"We hope our study – and the use of these occurrence maps—will help predict diabetic retinopathy and reduce the burden of the disease. As by optimising screening programmes we hope that we can identify high risk diabetics at an early stage and deliver appropriate interventions before severe symptoms appear," said lead author Dr. Giovanni Ometto of the Crabb Lab in the Division of Optometry and Vision Science at City, University of London.

The research team at City continues its work towards a reduction in patients with vision loss through finding early indicators that can change how resources are used to treat patients. They are using images taken with Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT).

Source: MedicalXpress.com


More Articles

With its slightly nutty flavor, chewy texture, and nutritional punch farro is an ancient whole grain worth a place in our pantry.

Farro...

Having diabetes is cause for concern, however it doesn’t mean that you need to eliminate all of your favorite foods from your diet completely....

With diabetes becoming more of an epidemic each and every day, being knowledgeable about the disease, its effects on the body as well as ways to...

If you’re a diabetic or live with one, it can be tough trying to figure out the best foods to eat because your priority is to control your blood...

In this post, I will show you the 10 best ice creams for diabetics.

When you think of sweetened foods that a diabetic shouldn’t consume,...

More Articles

If you’re living with diabetes, snacking is a necessity because going for more than 3-4 hours without eating can be detrimental to your health....

For diabetics, choosing healthy snacks can be a daunting task.

A good rule of thumb is to pick out snacks that are rich in protein, fiber,...

According to information available through the National Institutes of Health, there’s an estimated 462 million people in the world who are...

Eleven Clinical Studies

After eleven clinical studies and 300,000 participants, researcher Vasanti Malik and her team of researchers...

Diabetic women often have a harder time losing weight than non-diabetic women. A study funded by Jenny Craig proved that diabetic women have an...

Many recent studies have proved that magnesium levels are lower in patients with diabetes than in non-diabetics. This magnesium...

Fluid retention, also known as edema, is a problem that affects many diabetics, especially those with type 2 diabetes...

Some of us might be thrilled if we could manage our blood sugar by sitting in a hot tub or sauna, instead of working up a sweat biking, or using...

Cooking and baking with the ancient cereal grain sorghum has health benefits for people with diabetes, and those with weight control issues....

When it comes to certain foods, there are always questions as to whether or not a diabetic can have them without...

Matcha tea is a rich, creamy, full-bodied beverage with amazing nutritional properties that address several diabetes health concerns.

The...

Salads are good example of foods that type 2 diabetics can enjoy with relatively low guilt. With the right greens and other elements added, salad...

Remaining gainfully employed is important to many people. Those who live with any form of diabetes may find that some lines of work are more...

Learning that you have diabetes does mean making some lifestyle changes. One of the areas that needs attention is your diet. Most people find that...

One of the more challenging aspects of life as a type 2 diabetic is managing your diet. There’s often the temptation to avoid certain foods...