Dr David Ramsey Explains the Importance of Eye Examinations in Patients With Diabetes

Monitoring diabetic retinopathy can prevent irreversible vision loss, said David Ramsey, MD, PhD, MPH, an ophthalmologist and director of ophthalmic research at Lahey Hospital and Medical Center of Beth Israel Lahey Health. Ramsey presented research during an American Academy of Ophthalmology 2021 conference session called "Telehealth Encourages More Minority Patients With Diabetes to Return for In-Person Care During the COVID-19 Pandemic." Research coauthors included Karen Latulippe; Jeffrey L. Marx, MD; Shiyoung Roh, MD; Claudia C. Lasalle; Sidrah Anjum; and Ed Momplaisir.

Transcript

Why is it so important patients with diabetes receive eye examinations?

Diabetic retinopathy is the leading cause of vision loss among working-age Americans. Delivering eye care, examining patients with diabetes to monitor them for the development of diabetic retinopathy, and once it's developed, monitoring it to determine the point at which it needs treatment can not only prevent irreversible vision loss, but can actually help patients to recover vision once the effects of diabetic retinopathy have begun to take their effect on the retina. We have many different therapies available now, ranging from medications that can be administered into the eye to laser therapy, that have been shown not only to prevent blindness and allow more Americans to continue working, but even reverse the effects of diabetes and the age-associated toll that it takes on the visual system.