1 Aug 2024 • Patients with diabetic retinopathy and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) are at a significantly higher risk of disease progression and systemic complications, found a study.

• The analysis, involving over 11,000 matched patients, revealed that non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR) patients with OSA are more likely to develop proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) and diabetic macular edema (DME) over 1, 3, and 5 years.
• Additionally, OSA patients showed increased rates of ocular interventions, such as intravitreal injections and laser photocoagulation.
• Systemic risks were also elevated, with a greater likelihood of stroke, myocardial infarction, and mortality.

This highlights the urgent need for improved screening and management of NPDR in patients with OSA.

Source: Am J Ophthal. | Read full story