Diabetic retinopathy is the leading cause of blindness for Americans between the ages of 20 and 64.  The incidence of diabetes in our country has reached epidemic proportions with the disease incidence increasing by greater than 50% between 1997 and 2003.  The Center for Disease control estimates that some 20 million Americans have diabetes, including some 6 million who have yet to be formally diagnosed. 

While diabetes increases an individual's risk of glaucoma and cataract formation, diabetic retinopathy is considered the most troublesome ocular sequela of this disease.  The precise pathophysiology of diabetic retinopathy has yet to be elucidated, it is hypothesized that prolonged elevation of serum glucose compromises the microvasculature endothelium.  The injured endothelium begins to lose its function of selective permeability, allowing the passage of blood products into the retina. 

Diabetic retinopathy is classified as nonproliferative, which is characterized by microvascular changes and increased vessel permeability, and proliferative retinopathy, distinguished by the formation of abnormal, highly permeable retinal blood vessels. 

The increasing prevalence of diabetes mellitus in this country and its potential impact on the visual system places demands upon eye care professionals to be up-to-date on the treatment and management of this national epidemic.  Join us at the Delaney House on Thursday, November 5 for an update on care of the Diabetic patient, given by Anthony Cavallerano, OD of the New England School of Optometry.