On August 10, 2012, the FDA approved the use of Lucentis (ranibizumab injection for the eye) for the treatment of swelling in the retina due to diabetes. What does this mean for you?
The retina is the back layer of the eye. Everything that we look at is projected onto the retina - which sends the images directly to the brain. Many people describe the retina in the back of the eye as similar to film in the back of a camera. If there is a problem with the film - there will be a problem with the picture!
Diabetes is the leading cause of blindness in adults aged 20-74 years old. It may affect the eyes in several ways. Many people are familiar with cataracts, which may be more common in people with diabetes, but the main causes of diabetic blindness are problems in the retina. Because of diabetes, the retina may develop poor blood circulation, bleeding, swelling, or even retinal detachment. These changes are called diabetic retinopathy.
In the United States of America, 25.8 million people have diabetes. Approximately 79 million people have pre-diabetes, representing 35% of our population. Out of those with diabetes, 30-40% have diabetic retinopathy. Nearly all people with type 1 diabetes and over 60% of type 2 diabetics will develop some degree of retinopathy by the time they have had diabetes for 20 years.
People are at higher risk the longer they have had diabetes and also if they have had high blood sugars for a long period of time, which may be measured by the hemoglobin A1C level. A patient's primary care physician or endocrinologist watches these tests closely.
Early detection of diabetic eye disease may prevent blindness by having a retina specialist provide prompt treatment. A patient's primary care doctor, endocrinologist, optometrist, or ophthalmologist usually will refer the patient to the retina specialist. Current treatment of diabetic retinopathy consists of laser treatments as well as injections of medicines into or around the eye. In the past, doctors only had steroid injections for diabetic retinopathy. These medicines work well, but do have some potential side effects - primarily cataract and, occasionally, glaucoma.
More recently, it has been proven that medicines called anti-VEGF agents, typically injected into the eye for the treatment of wet macular degeneration and retinal swelling from retinal vein blockages, are also effective in treating diabetic retinopathy. Lucentis has been one of the best-studied of these medicines. It has been proven safe and effective - and now has the approval of the FDA for treatment of diabetic retinal swelling. With this recent approval, the medicine will be made available to everyone who needs it for these conditions. Insurance covers the medication and treatment. For those who need co-pay assistance or do not have insurance, programs have been established to provide help.
Retina Associates of Cleveland has participated in numerous national research studies for Lucentis as well as almost every promising retinal treatment. In particular, we were investigators for the pivotal trials that the FDA analyzed to approve Lucentis for diabetic retinal swelling. These treatments are available in all of our office locations.
For more information, contact Retina Associates of Cleveland, 440-233-6100 (Lorain office) or 216-221-2878 (Lakewood office).