DIABETIC RETINOPATHY: NEW ASPECTS

Abstract

In this paper, we will discuss the new aspects of Diabetic Retinopathy (DR), which is characterized as the most common and significant microvascular complication caused by Diabetes Mellitus (DM). Uncontrolled diabetic retinopathy can result in vision loss or blindness. It is important to emphasize that not all patients with diabetic retinopathy (DR) will have the same symptoms, so the manifestation of the condition may differ from one another. This makes the diagnosis and treatment of DR a special challenge in ophthalmology.
In our country, the treatment of diabetic retinopathy includes various standard treatments, such as intravitreal injections or laser photocoagulation. The number of patients with diabetes mellitus is constantly increasing. In direct proportion to that, the number of patients with complications from it increases, among which is diabetic retinopathy. This contributes to thinking about how effective the methods and ways of diagnosis and treatment are. Also, we believe that the inadequate and incorrect education of the population has a big contribution. According to the received data about the current situation in our country and the previous few years, especially during the period of the COVID-19 pandemic, this prediction is confirmed. There is a directly proportional increase in the prevalence of people with DM, DR, and ophthalmic complications.
According to the data we collected, DM, according to the prevalence by gender, is more present in women, and according to the representation by region, it is most represented in the Skopje region.
All this represents a motive and incentive for considering new aspects of DR, especially prevention and treatment. Many important aspects can be discussed, but here we will talk about artificial intelligence (AI), virtual reality (VR), and socio-emotional aspects as almost new tools that would improve the diagnosis and treatment of diabetic retinopathy.
With the subject of this research, we would not only contribute to the improvement of understanding the alarming situation in our country but would also improve the creation of innovative strategies for prevention, treatment, and support of patients using the new technology.
We hope that we will contribute to the motivation of doctors (ophthalmologists) and the rest of the medical personal to be open towards supporting new aspects, which have the potential to significantly improve the quality of life and the prognosis of people facing DR.