Diabetic retinopathy remains the leading cause of new cases of blindness in working-age adults. These flashcards are designed to help pharmacists and healthcare professionals quickly recall the 2018 Clinical Practice Guidelines regarding screening intervals, the “ABC” prevention strategy, and the shift toward newer pharmacological treatments for preserving vision.
Key Topics Covered:
Screening Schedules: Memorizing the distinct initiation times for Type 1 diabetes (5 years post-diagnosis) versus Type 2 diabetes (at diagnosis) and follow-up frequencies.
Therapeutic Interventions: Identifying anti-VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor) therapy as the first-line treatment for center-involved diabetic macular edema (DME).
The “ABCs” of Prevention: Recalling the role of optimal A1C, Blood pressure, and Cholesterol control—specifically the use of fenofibrate—in slowing disease progression.
Pregnancy Risks: Understanding why pregnancy confers a high risk for rapid retinopathy progression and the need for first-trimester screening.
Referral Criteria: Knowing when to refer to an ophthalmologist versus when optometric screening is sufficient.