Rise in Youth Onset Diabetes and Vision Complications
More than 38 million people in the United States are living with diabetes, a chronic condition that affects the way the body processes sugar and uses insulin. One of the side effects of diabetes is the potential for vision loss and developing serious eye issues like diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma and cataracts.
Diabetic retinopathy is caused by too much sugar in the blood which can damage blood vessels in the eyes that support the retina, leading to impaired vision or even blindness. It is one of the many retinal conditions that our board-certified retinal specialists treat at Austin Retina Associates.
New researchshows that there is an uptick in cases of youth onset diabetic retinopathy.
Why is there an increase in youth diabetic retina issues?
Diabetes rates have been increasing rapidly in the United States not only for adults, but for youth (<20 years old) as well. These patients develop diabetic complications while still young adults and are at risk for severe complications throughout their life if their diabetes remains poorly controlled. The reasons for this increased incidence are complex including a multitude of socioeconomic factors and outdated diabetic retinopathy screening guidelines, previously only recommended for those who are older.
How can ocular screenings help prevent an increase in youth diabetic retinopathy?
Ocular screenings help identify diabetic microvascular complications and lead to early intervention and counseling for patients. This allows patients to be educated on the consequences of unchecked diabetes and hopefully prevent severe vision loss with lifestyle modification and medications if needed. Parents of especially young diabetes patients must be aware of the importance of ocular screening early to prevent diabetic retinopathy progression.
According to retinal specialist Dr. Saagar Patel, the convenience of telehealth appointments could play a key role in facilitating early detection and timely intervention.
“Telehealth opportunities may provide increased access to communities for ocular screening to allow for earlier education and counseling regarding diabetic retinopathy. This may hopefully prevent serious complications and allow healthcare access to those who need it.”
When should someone get screened for youth onset diabetic retinopathy?
Depending on whether a patient has Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes could dictate when they should get screened.
“In general, youths with Type 2 diabetes should have their first screening eye examination as soon as they are diagnosed,” explains retinal specialist Dr. Rolake Alabi.
“Meanwhile, youths with Type 1 diabetes are typically screened starting around age 11 or after puberty (whichever comes first) if they have had a diagnosis of Type 1 diabetes for 3 to 5 years.”
How often young patients need to be seen after their initial screening depends on what is found during that eye examination. A primary care provider or endocrinologist can be a resource for staying updated on when it is time for a diabetic retinopathy screening.
How can parents help lower their child’s risk for youth onset diabetic retinopathy?
Parents can help to lower their child’s risk for youth onset diabetic retinopathy with the same lifestyle modifications that help manage their diabetes – encouraging them to eat a healthy, well-balanced diet to maintain optimal blood sugar levels and staying physically active.
Austin Retina Associates also supports preventative screenings with many local primary care offices to identify diabetic eye disease and make a treatment plan for early intervention. Treatment for diabetic retinopathy may include a combination of injectable medicationsinto the eye and laser therapy.
“More and more primary care clinics have been partnering with eye providers to offer convenient telehealth screening options for patients, allowing them and their families the chance to connect with a vision specialist sooner rather than later,” says Dr. Alabi.
Consult with a Retina Specialist Today
Austin Retina Associates treats a wide range of retinal conditions. Our experienced team of retina specialists in Austin are dedicated to improving your vision and quality of life.
Contact us at 800-252-8259, or request an appointment online at one of our retina treatment centers located in Austin and throughout Central Texas.
For the latest Austin Retina news, visit our blog or follow us on Facebook and Instagram.
