Does Anti-VEGF Injections Increase the likelihood of Tractional Retinal Detachment in Proliferative Diabetic Retinopatht?

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Is there an increased risk for tractional retinal detachment (TRD) in proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) associated with intravitreal injections alone compared with other treatment regimens? That's the question that researchers at Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania sought an answer for. 

Metformin may help in reducing the risk for Macular Degeneration

In a large case-control study using a national database of patients, metformin use was associated with reduced odds of developing age-related macular degeneration (AMD). This association was dose dependent, with the greatest benefit at low to moderate doses. When looking only at patients with diabetes, the authors note preservation of the dose-dependent decrease in the odds of patients developing AMD. Metformin does not appear to be protective in patients with diabetes and coexisting diabetic retinopathy. This study suggests that metformin may be useful as a preventive therapy for AMD and provides the basis for potential prospective clinical trials.

New treatment potential for babies with Retinopathy of Prematurity

A gene known to play a major role in constricting blood vessels also appears to be a major player in the aberrant blood vessel growth that can destroy the vision of premature babies such as in Retinopathy of Prematurity and possibly in Diabetic Retinopathy.

Risk factors for proliferative diabetic retinopathy in a Latino American Population

This study, conducted as part of the Latino Americans in Los Angeles County study, assessed the personal and demographic risk factors for proliferative diabetic retinopathy in Latino Americans in Los Angeles County.

In this study, 729 subjects from Los Angeles County University of Southern California Medical Center (LAC + USC), Los Angeles, CA were recruited prospectively from the Center and affiliated clinics between June 2008 and June 2011. Complete personal data and results from systemic and ophthalmic examinations were collected for all enrolled subjects. Laboratory tests such as glycosylated hemoglobin, creatinine levels, and cholesterol levels were collected prospectively by drawing blood at the time of each patient's clinic visit. The main outcome measures were age, gender, type of diabetes mellitus (DM I or II), duration of diabetes mellitus, history of hypertension, history of insulin use, height, weight, and body mass index, smoking history, glycosylated hemoglobin, creatinine levels, and cholesterol levels.