Diabetic Retinopathy: Blood Test Could Identify Blindness Risk in 30% of Patients, Says Expert

A significant portion of South Korea's diabetic population faces the risk of blindness due to diabetic retinopathy, yet many do not receive regular eye screenings. Professor Woo Se-jun of Seoul National University Bundang Hospital's Ophthalmology department points out that while one in five South Korean adults has diabetes, around 30% of these individuals also suffer from diabetic retinopathy. This condition involves damage to the retina's small blood vessels. Alarmingly, about 10% of those affected by diabetic retinopathy advance to a critical stage where their sight is severely threatened.

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About 30% of patients with diabetes develop diabetic retinopathy, which damages the retina's small blood vessels, and about 10% of these progress to a severe stage with a high risk of blindness.

Despite the high risk, a mere 30% of patients with diabetes adhere to regular retinal examinations. Professor Woo identifies the core issue as a lack of effective diagnostic technology. He suggests that a simple blood test could potentially identify patients at high risk of blindness, thereby enabling earlier intervention and preventing vision loss. This diagnostic advancement is crucial for managing the condition and improving patient outcomes.

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Only 30% of patients with diabetes regularly undergo retinal examinations.