Diabetic Retinopathy

Ultra-widefield imaging has become an important component of a thorough eye exam and is taking on a larger role in retina and comprehensive ophthalmology.

Study results provide new information about the risk and strategies for preventing tractional retinal detachment (TRD) development or progression in eyes with severe proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) receiving intravitreal bevacizumab (Avastin, Genentech) prior to vitrectomy.

In complicated retinal detachment cases where the retina fails to reattach after completing the usual steps, retinectomy is a better technique than relaxing retinotomy–and the retinectomy is best done incrementally under air, said Steve Charles, MD.

Anti-VEGF therapy for Zone I retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is associated with better structural and functional outcomes than laser therapy, but also a longer recurrence risk period, said Helen A. Mintz-Hittner, MD.

Intravitreal aflibercept worked better than panretinal photocoagulation (PRP) for proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) in a new head-to-head trial, according to researchers.

New imaging technologies, such as ultra-wide-field fluorescein angiography and optical coherence tomography angiography, are providing more details about retinal diseases than previous imaging technologies, leading to better understanding of disease processes.

The use of 27-gauge instrumentation provides several surgical advantages compared with larger tools in retinal surgery, particularly in difficult cases.

Ophthalmology may be one step closer to the hope of providing artificial vision for individuals affected by virtually all forms of blindness.

Computers may make more reliable diagnoses of plus disease in retinopathy of prematurity than individual clinicians, a researcher reports.

Retina specialists who are Diabetic Retinopathy Clinical Research Network investigators offer views on whether laser panretinal photocoagulation or anti-VEGF therapy deserves consideration as first-line treatment for proliferative diabetic retinopathy.

A retinal exam system improves access for patients with diabetes to detect eye disease early and refers them to an eye-care specialist for further evaluation and treatment.

Ultra-widefield retinal imaging is a user- and patient-friendly technique that is showing promise for improving clinical care.

Diabetic retinopathy and diabetic macular oedema are both increasing in Spain, especially among relatively young people, researchers said.

Ensuring correct alignment between the syringe and the cap during silicone oil injection can prevent complications during vitrectomy, said Jay M. Stewart, MD, (San Francisco) presenting during the Retina Subspecialty Day of the 2015 American Academy of Ophthalmology meeting.

Treatment with fluocinolone acetonide 0.2 µg/day significantly reduced progression to proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) in patients who were part of the FAME trials1,2 and had visual acuity loss due to diabetic macular edema (DME), according to Charles C. Wykoff, MD, PhD.

Retina surgeons considered 2015 to be an exciting time in the subspecialty in all areas and pointed to the availability and increased use of 27-gauge instrumentation as one of the real highlights of surgical retina.

The topics of special interest to retina specialists during 2015 include optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) and screening for retinopathy of prematurity (ROP). Important research is taking place to determine the etiology of angiogenesis, possibly leading to targeting therapies in age-related macular degeneration (AMD), ROP, and diabetic retinopathy.

Data show that the combination of navigated laser and anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) compares favorably with anti-VEGF monotherapy.

Results of a 6-month phase I/II clinical trial of suprachoroidal injection of triamcinolone for noninfectious uveitis showed the treatment was safe and well tolerated.