A clinical trial is underway in Australia to evaluate the use of a simple eye scan for detection of diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) – one of the major long-term complications of diabetes. The scan, developed by researcher Dr. Nathan Efron, could broaden the role that eye care professionals play in medical health.
According to Dr. Efron’s research, DPN is linked to degradation of the corneal nerves, reduced corneal sensitivity, thinning of the retinal nerve fibers, and peripheral visual field loss. It affects about half of diabetic patients and causes symptoms such as numbness, tingling or pain in the arms and legs. Left untreated, DPN can ultimately lead to amputation.
Dr. Nathan Efron developed an interest in DPN over a decade ago, while talking to his own diabetes specialist.
If successful, results from the eye scan will provide patients with diabetes and their doctors with an important new tool for early recognition and management of diabetes-related nerve damage. Currently DPN can only be detected using painful nerve biopsies, or though indirect assessments like sensory testing.
The scan may also pave the way to an expanded role for eye care professionals in diabetes screening, as well as monitoring the progression of DPN and the effects of clinical and treatment interventions.
In recognition of his work on ophthalmic markers of diabetic neuropathy, Dr. Efron received the prestigious 2010 Glenn A. Fry Lecture Award.
