DME Disparities: Socioeconomic Impact and Health Equity

EP: 1.Addressing Barriers to Health Equity: The Role of Timely Diagnosis and Health Literacy in Managing Diabetic Eye Disease

EP: 2.Challenges in Diabetes Therapy Adherence: Impact on Early Intervention and Long-Term Visual Outcomes

EP: 3.Improving Patient Adherence in Diabetic Macular Edema Eye Care

EP: 4.Impact of Step Therapy and Prior Authorization Requirements in Ophthalmology Practice

EP: 5.Physician Advocacy for Patient Access: Navigating Medication Authorization Challenges

EP: 6.Diversity and Inclusion in Ophthalmology Clinical Trials: Overcoming Challenges and Building Trust

EP: 7.Community Engagement and Long-Term Commitment: Fostering Trust and Collaboration in Clinical Trials for Ophthalmology

EP: 8.Addressing Differences in Social Determinants of Health Among Patients With Diabetes: The Role of Community Engagement

EP: 9.Promoting Equitable Patient Care: A Call for Self-Reflection and Awareness Among Providers

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EP: 10.DME Disparities: Socioeconomic Impact and Health Equity

EP: 11.Provider Roles and Collaborative Efforts for DME Disparities

EP: 12.Closing Gaps in DME Care: Harnessing the Power of Comprehensive Data Strategies

EP: 13.Ensuring Equitable Patient Care in DME: Unconscious Bias Training and SDOH Screening

EP: 14.Collaborations and Inclusivity for Equitable DME Care

EP: 15.Building An Equitable Future: Strategies for DME Advocacy

This is a video synopsis/summary of an Insights involving Amy Nguyen Howell, MD, MBA.

Howell discusses health equity concerns and disparities associated with diabetic macular edema (DME). Diabetic retinopathy, a common complication of diabetes, leads to DME, swelling in the macula. DME affects around 4% of US adults aged 40 and older with diabetes. The risk is influenced by diabetes duration and glycemic control. Health disparities arise when considering timely diagnosis, with studies revealing that 50% of diabetes patients are unaware of their condition.

Howell highlights health literacy as a crucial factor, linking it to education, a social determinant. Disparities in DME prevalence and treatment are observed across races. A 2018 study indicates higher prevalence in Black, Hispanic, and American Indian patients. Treatment disparities reveal lower usage of anti–vascular endothelial growth factor in these groups.

The discussion extends to socioeconomic factors impacting DME outcomes. Low income, education, and limited access are predictive factors, affecting underserved communities more. Patients with severe diabetic retinopathy may experience vision loss, with barriers like insurance limiting treatment options. Access challenges, including employer restrictions on treatment frequency, impact the efficacy of disease management for better clinical outcomes in DME patients.

Video synopsis is AI-generated and reviewed by AJMC^® editorial staff.