The study will determine whether the drug can prevent the progression of diabetic retinopathy and the need for laser therapy. To participate in this clinical trial, individuals must be 18 years or older, have type I or type II diabetes, and have diabetic retinopathy which either manifests very early swelling of the macular region with good visual acuity, or moderately severe diabetic retinopathy without evidence of abnormal new blood vessels. There are other exclusionary criteria. For patients accepted into the trial, all tests and medical care provided by the retinal specialist and the diabetologist will be provide at no charge. November is National Diabetes Month and Diabetic Eye Disease Awareness Month.
Vision loss is a common side effect of diabetes.
If you have diabetes, either Type I or Type II, you should have regular eye exams by an ophthalmologist to look for early signs of diabetic eye disease. Vision loss can often be prevented, if caught early enough.