Diabetic retinopathy: Treating systemic conditions aggressively can save sight
Stephen H. Sinclair, MD
Division of Ophthalmology, Crozer-Chester Medical Center, Upland, PA; Clinical Professor of Ophthalmology, Drexel University School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA
Richard Malamut, MD
Division of Neurology, Crozer-Chester Medical Center, Upland, PA; Clinical Assistant Professor of Neurology, Drexel University School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA
Cherie Delvecchio, OD
Pennsylvania College of Optometry, Elkins Park, PA
Weiye Li, MD, PhD
Division of Ophthalmology, Crozer-Chester Medical Center, Upland, PA; Professor of Ophthalmology, Drexel University School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA
Address: Stephen H. Sinclair, MD, Suite 100, 311 Baltimore Avenue, Media, PA 19063; e-mail Stephen@StephenSinclairMD.com
ABSTRACTTo control diabetic retinopathy, we need not only to detect it promptly, but also to manage common systemic comorbid conditions such as hypertension, hyperlipidemia, anemia, obstructive sleep apnea, and smoking—all of which tend to accelerate its course and increase its severity.