Bangkok, November 14, 2024 – On World Diabetes Day 2024, ophthalmologists are urging Thai working-age adults to prioritise regular eye exams. Many overlook subtle warning signs of eye health issues, attributing them to work fatigue or prolonged screen time. However, such symptoms may signal a severe condition: Diabetic Macular Edema (DME), a leading cause of permanent vision loss in diabetics.
DME occurs when high blood sugar levels damage retinal blood vessels, causing swelling in the macula. This condition can affect individuals of any age. Diabetes prevalence in Thailand is steadily increasing, with around 300,000 new cases annually.2 Currently, 6.9 million Thais aged 15 and above have diabetes3, with individuals aged 30-604 facing a 12% risk of the disease. Alarmingly, diabetes can progress to DME, the number one cause of vision loss in diabetics5. Many patients remain unaware due to the condition’s lack of early symptoms.
Early screening and treatment can significantly reduce the risk of DME progression and vision loss. Dr. Thanapong Somkijrungroj, a retina and uveitis specialist at Chulalongkorn Hospital, Thai Red Cross Society, explained: “The DME situation in Thailand is concerning. Studies reveal that one in four diabetic patients develops DME6, which can occur suddenly in one or both eyes without pain or visible symptoms. Most patients mistakenly attribute blurry vision to refractive issues, underestimating the severity of this silent threat.”
Ms. Atchara Sengha, a 51-year-old business consultant and former banker, shared her experience:“I neglected exercise and self-care for over 20 years, assuming I was too young to face health issues. I was diagnosed with diabetes three years ago but didn’t expect it to affect my eyesight. I started noticing spider-web-like lines in my vision, and after consulting a doctor, I learned I was in the advanced stages of diabetic eye disease—just one step away from blindness.”
Treatment for DME in Thailand has significantly improved. Dr. Thanapong highlighted that over a decade ago, laser treatments were the primary approach but were less effective in restoring vision. Subsequently, Anti-VEGF injections became the standard, reducing abnormal blood vessel growth in the retina and improving vision. However, frequent injections every 1-2 months posed challenges for patients, especially those living far from hospitals.
Today, innovative therapies like dual-pathway inhibitors (Anti Ang-2/VEGF) target two key disease mechanisms: abnormal blood vessel growth and leakage. These therapies also reduce inflammation and strengthen retinal blood vessels, requiring fewer injections. Clinical studies7,8 show that 80% of patients need injections only every four months, significantly enhancing their quality of life. Safety studies involving over 3,200 patients and more than 4 million injections9 confirm the comparable safety of these newer treatments.
“Statistics show that early diagnosis and treatment can prevent up to 95% of vision loss,” Dr. Thanapong added. “With innovative treatments and proper blood sugar control, many patients see improvements within 3-5 years and may even stop requiring medication.10”
Ms. Atchara shared her success story, “Thanks to timely treatment with dual-pathway inhibitors and improved health habits, my vision is now comparable to normal. I only need to visit my doctor every three months. I urge everyone to take health seriously, maintain a balanced diet, exercise, and never underestimate symptoms like blurry vision.”and being mindful of their overall well-being. These health issues can affect people of all ages, so it's important not to take life for granted.
Dr. Thanapong emphasized the importance of proactive care, “Patients with DME or risk factors should control their weight, manage blood sugar levels, quit smoking, and follow their doctor’s appointments diligently. Diabetics should have regular eye exams at least once a year for early diagnosis and timely treatment. Clear vision is essential to maintaining a good quality of life.”
M-TH-00004304
J Med Assoc Thai Vol. 100 Suppl. 1 2017
https://www.nuhs.edu.sg/patient-care/find-a-condition/diabetic-retinopathy
ตัวชี้วัดสำคัญประเทศไทย พ.ศ. 2567 https://www.nso.go.th/public/e-book/Indicators-Thailand/Thailand-Indicators-2567/22/ และ รายงานการสำรวจสุขภาพประชาชนไทยโดยการตรวจร่างกาย ครั้งที่ 6 พ.ศ. 2562 - 2563 https://www.hiso.or.th/hiso/picture/reportHealth/report/sreport6/sreport6_full.pdf
https://www.hiso.or.th/hiso/picture/reportHealth/report/sreport6/sreport6_full.pdf
Leasher, J. L. et al. Global Estimates on the Number of People Blind or Visually Impaired by Diabetic Retinopathy: A Meta-Analysis from 1990 to 2010. Diabetes Care. 2016; 39:1643–9.
Heier JS et al. Efficacy, durability, and safety of intravitreal faricimab up to every 16 weeks for neovascular age-related macular degeneration (TENAYA and LUCERNE): two randomised, double-masked, phase 3, non-inferiority trials. www.thelancet.com Published online January 24, 2022 https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(22)00010-1
Wykoff CC et al. Efficacy, durability, and safety of intravitreal faricimab with extended dosing up to every 16 weeks in patients with diabetic macular oedema (YOSEMITE and RHINE): two randomised, double-masked, phase 3 trials. www.thelancet.com Published online January 24, 2022 https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(22)00018-6
Roche Data on File. July 2024
https://www.nuhs.edu.sg/patient-care/find-a-condition/diabetic-retinopathy
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