AAOpt 2024: Racial and socioeconomic disparities in diabetic eye disease

Paul Chous, MA, OD, FAAO, overviews a presentation he gave at the 2024 American Academy of Optometry meeting alongside Jeffry Gerson, OD, FAAO. Chous explains that the presentation will focus on several key updates in diabetes care, including a greater emphasis on racial and socioeconomic disparities in diabetic eye disease. One major topic is the impact of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist medications, which are commonly used for weight loss and type 2 diabetes management. Chous notes that while these drugs have shown benefits like reduced sleep apnea and dementia risk, there are also concerns that they may worsen diabetic retinopathy in some patients, particularly those who experience rapid improvements in blood glucose levels. The presentation also covered emerging therapies for diabetic retinopathy, including the use of electroretinography to monitor disease progression, as well as potential oral medications and gene therapies that may help slow the worsening of diabetic eye disease.

Additionally, Chous discussed the importance of cardiovascular and renal protection for patients with diabetes, as these comorbidities are often more life-threatening than vision loss. He emphasizes that optometrists should be familiar with these broader diabetes management strategies, as they can impact ocular health. Overall, the presentation aims to provide optometrists with a comprehensive update on the rapidly evolving landscape of diabetes care, with a focus on identifying high-risk patients, utilizing new diagnostic tools, and understanding emerging treatment options that can help preserve vision and overall health for individuals living with diabetes.