Young people not being screened for diabetic retinopathy

Many young people with type 1 and 2 diabetes are not receiving eye examinations as recommended to monitor for diabetic retinopathy, according to a study published online by JAMA Ophthalmology. The incidence of diabetes among children and adolescents is increasing worldwide. Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a serious complication of diabetes that is often asymptomatic in early and occasionally later stages but may progress to sight-threatening disease. The American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends that screening for DR occur beginning at five years after initial diabetes diagnosis for youths with type 1 diabetes; the American Diabetes Association recommends screening of youths with…