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Early worsening of diabetic retinopathy due to intensive glycaemic control
Author(s) -
Lim Shueh Wen,
van Wijngaarden Peter,
Harper Colin A.,
AlQureshi Salmaan H.
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
clinical and experimental ophthalmology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.3
H-Index - 74
eISSN - 1442-9071
pISSN - 1442-6404
DOI - 10.1111/ceo.13393
Subject(s) - medicine , diabetic retinopathy , diabetes mellitus , retinopathy , intensive care medicine , risk factor , pediatrics , ophthalmology , endocrinology
The prevalence of diabetes and diabetic retinopathy is increasing around the world. Glycaemic control is important in reducing the long‐term risk of complications of diabetes, however intensive glycaemic control, particularly in patients with longstanding and poorly controlled diabetes, is associated with the risk of early worsening of diabetic retinopathy and vision loss. We present two clinical cases to illustrate the presentation of early worsening and to highlight a role for intravitreal anti‐vascular endothelial growth factor therapies in ameliorating this phenomenon, as well as a review of the current understanding of this phenomenon. We emphasise the importance of identifying individuals at risk of early worsening of diabetic retinopathy and recommend regular ophthalmological review during the period of intensive glycaemic control to ensure optimal visual outcomes.