Diabetic Eye Disease

A recent study found that metformin (Glumetza, Salix), a popular diabetes drug, is associated with a dose-dependent risk reduction for open-angle glaucoma.

I sometimes wonder why, in the rush to build the medical model, so many of my colleagues seemingly abandon the retail aspects of our profession. Many ODs seem to want to forget or diminish that our historical contribution to vision has been mainly centered around the correction, refractive, and binocular vision function and development.

After more than 2 years of work, the American Optometric Association (AOA) has released Eye Care of the Patient with Diabetes Mellitus, an evidence-based guideline to help ODs care for patients with diabetes.

An Internet-based screening approach performs well in identifying patients with treatable diabetic eye disease, according to a study in Optometry and Vision Science.

A study presented by Freedom Meditech President and COO Keith Ignotz at SECO found that measurements of lens autoflurescence can distinguish patients with diabetes from those without.

Google recently announced it is developing a contact lens that monitors glucose levels for diabetics.

Your patients rely on you to help determine if they are good candidates for laser vision correction. We know that a patient’s systemic health can affect the safety and efficacy of refractive surgery.

The American Optometric Association offers a digital supplement with information on an optometrist’s role in caring for a patient with diabetes.

Review the American Optometric Association’s guidelines and submit your comments and suggestions.