Strengthening diagnosis and treatment of Diabetic Retinopathy in SEA Region

Overview

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is increasing in the world and in countries of the South-East Asia (SEA) Region.

The International Diabetes Federation (IDF) estimates that the number of people with DM in seven countries of the SEA Region, is likely to increase from 87.6 million in 2019, to 115.1 million in 2030.

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is an important cause of vision impairment and blindness in South-East Asia.

The age-adjusted prevalence of DR in SEA countries is likely to increase from 11.3% in 2019, to 12.2% in 2030 (IDF).  There is strong evidence that good control of DM and associated systemic conditions reduces the incidence of sight-threatening retinopathy, and/or improves prognosis after standard treatment of DR.

Human resource is a constraint in most Member States of the SEA Region. A combination of the gross national income per capita (GNI/capita) and the available human resources in the Member States of the SEA Region, reveals that there are two countries each in the high- and low-income categories, and six are in the middle income category.

There is an acute shortage of retina specialists, and in two countries there are none. Development of infrastructure and capacity building are of paramount importance.

Screening at the primary level using non-ophthalmic, trained technicians would help in covering a larger population.

A clear demarcation of referral pathways and a national registry for diabetes mellitus / diabetic retinopathy (DM/DR) are highly recommended.