Present and future screening programs for diabetic retinopathy: a narrative review
Abstract Diabetes is a prevalent global concern, with an estimated 12% of the global adult population affected by 2045. Diabetic retinopathy (DR), a sight-threatening complication, has spurred diverse screening approaches worldwide due to advances in DR knowledge, rapid technological developments in...
| Main Authors: | , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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BMC
2024-02-01
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| Series: | International Journal of Retina and Vitreous |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1186/s40942-024-00534-8 |
| _version_ | 1797273693682925568 |
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| author | Andreas Abou Taha Sebastian Dinesen Anna Stage Vergmann Jakob Grauslund |
| author_facet | Andreas Abou Taha Sebastian Dinesen Anna Stage Vergmann Jakob Grauslund |
| author_sort | Andreas Abou Taha |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Abstract Diabetes is a prevalent global concern, with an estimated 12% of the global adult population affected by 2045. Diabetic retinopathy (DR), a sight-threatening complication, has spurred diverse screening approaches worldwide due to advances in DR knowledge, rapid technological developments in retinal imaging and variations in healthcare resources. Many high income countries have fully implemented or are on the verge of completing a national Diabetic Eye Screening Programme (DESP). Although there have been some improvements in DR screening in Africa, Asia, and American countries further progress is needed. In low-income countries, only one out of 29, partially implemented a DESP, while 21 out of 50 lower-middle-income countries have started the DR policy cycle. Among upper-middle-income countries, a third of 59 nations have advanced in DR agenda-setting, with five having a comprehensive national DESP and 11 in the early stages of implementation. Many nations use 2–4 fields fundus images, proven effective with 80–98% sensitivity and 86–100% specificity compared to the traditional seven-field evaluation for DR. A cell phone based screening with a hand held retinal camera presents a potential low-cost alternative as imaging device. While this method in low-resource settings may not entirely match the sensitivity and specificity of seven-field stereoscopic photography, positive outcomes are observed. Individualized DR screening intervals are the standard in many high-resource nations. In countries that lacks a national DESP and resources, screening are more sporadic, i.e. screening intervals are not evidence-based and often less frequently, which can lead to late recognition of treatment required DR. The rising global prevalence of DR poses an economic challenge to nationwide screening programs AI-algorithms have showed high sensitivity and specificity for detection of DR and could provide a promising solution for the future screening burden. In summary, this narrative review enlightens on the epidemiology of DR and the necessity for effective DR screening programs. Worldwide evolution in existing approaches for DR screening has showed promising results but has also revealed limitations. Technological advancements, such as handheld imaging devices, tele ophthalmology and artificial intelligence enhance cost-effectiveness, but also the accessibility of DR screening in countries with low resources or where distance to or a shortage of ophthalmologists exists. |
| first_indexed | 2024-03-07T14:47:56Z |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj.art-afc5bcc817694d37a8af29ea037255ce |
| institution | Directory Open Access Journal |
| issn | 2056-9920 |
| language | English |
| last_indexed | 2024-03-07T14:47:56Z |
| publishDate | 2024-02-01 |
| publisher | BMC |
| record_format | Article |
| series | International Journal of Retina and Vitreous |
| spelling | doaj.art-afc5bcc817694d37a8af29ea037255ce2024-03-05T19:53:08ZengBMCInternational Journal of Retina and Vitreous2056-99202024-02-0110111210.1186/s40942-024-00534-8Present and future screening programs for diabetic retinopathy: a narrative reviewAndreas Abou Taha0Sebastian Dinesen1Anna Stage Vergmann2Jakob Grauslund3Department of Ophthalmology, Odense University HospitalDepartment of Ophthalmology, Odense University HospitalDepartment of Ophthalmology, Odense University HospitalDepartment of Ophthalmology, Odense University HospitalAbstract Diabetes is a prevalent global concern, with an estimated 12% of the global adult population affected by 2045. Diabetic retinopathy (DR), a sight-threatening complication, has spurred diverse screening approaches worldwide due to advances in DR knowledge, rapid technological developments in retinal imaging and variations in healthcare resources. Many high income countries have fully implemented or are on the verge of completing a national Diabetic Eye Screening Programme (DESP). Although there have been some improvements in DR screening in Africa, Asia, and American countries further progress is needed. In low-income countries, only one out of 29, partially implemented a DESP, while 21 out of 50 lower-middle-income countries have started the DR policy cycle. Among upper-middle-income countries, a third of 59 nations have advanced in DR agenda-setting, with five having a comprehensive national DESP and 11 in the early stages of implementation. Many nations use 2–4 fields fundus images, proven effective with 80–98% sensitivity and 86–100% specificity compared to the traditional seven-field evaluation for DR. A cell phone based screening with a hand held retinal camera presents a potential low-cost alternative as imaging device. While this method in low-resource settings may not entirely match the sensitivity and specificity of seven-field stereoscopic photography, positive outcomes are observed. Individualized DR screening intervals are the standard in many high-resource nations. In countries that lacks a national DESP and resources, screening are more sporadic, i.e. screening intervals are not evidence-based and often less frequently, which can lead to late recognition of treatment required DR. The rising global prevalence of DR poses an economic challenge to nationwide screening programs AI-algorithms have showed high sensitivity and specificity for detection of DR and could provide a promising solution for the future screening burden. In summary, this narrative review enlightens on the epidemiology of DR and the necessity for effective DR screening programs. Worldwide evolution in existing approaches for DR screening has showed promising results but has also revealed limitations. Technological advancements, such as handheld imaging devices, tele ophthalmology and artificial intelligence enhance cost-effectiveness, but also the accessibility of DR screening in countries with low resources or where distance to or a shortage of ophthalmologists exists.https://doi.org/10.1186/s40942-024-00534-8Artificial intelligenceDiabetic retinopathyScreening programEpidemiology |
| spellingShingle | Andreas Abou Taha Sebastian Dinesen Anna Stage Vergmann Jakob Grauslund Present and future screening programs for diabetic retinopathy: a narrative review International Journal of Retina and Vitreous Artificial intelligence Diabetic retinopathy Screening program Epidemiology |
| title | Present and future screening programs for diabetic retinopathy: a narrative review |
| title_full | Present and future screening programs for diabetic retinopathy: a narrative review |
| title_fullStr | Present and future screening programs for diabetic retinopathy: a narrative review |
| title_full_unstemmed | Present and future screening programs for diabetic retinopathy: a narrative review |
| title_short | Present and future screening programs for diabetic retinopathy: a narrative review |
| title_sort | present and future screening programs for diabetic retinopathy a narrative review |
| topic | Artificial intelligence Diabetic retinopathy Screening program Epidemiology |
| url | https://doi.org/10.1186/s40942-024-00534-8 |
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