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Relationship between diabetes, glaucoma remains unclear
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VERACRUZ, Mexico — The nature of the relationship between glaucoma and diabetes continues to be one of ophthalmology’s unsolved mysteries, according to a speaker here.
Juan Ignacio Babayán, MD, a glaucoma specialist, spoke on this controversial topic at the Mexican Congress of Ophthalmology, under way here this week.
According to Dr. Babayán, the wealth of research that has been conducted on the topic has yet to establish the nature of the relationship between the two diseases. Although some studies point to a connection between them, Dr. Babayán said there are many contradictory theories as to the exact nature of the relationship.
Factors such as genetics and biochemistry underscore the complicated nature of each disease.
“The genetic mutations involved in glaucoma are not always found in diabetes,” Dr. Babayán said. “At least from a genetic point of view, a clear relationship has not been established.”
The interrelation between glaucoma and diabetes can complicate pharmacologic management, he said.
“In some cases we can conclude that diabetes can complicate the control and treatment of glaucoma. For example, it has been shown that pilocarpine should be avoided in diabetic patients. Beta-blockers could be contraindicated, but not in every case,” he said.
Furthermore, certain surgical options may be riskier in diabetic patients who have glaucoma, he added.
Dr. Babayán, who is known to fellow Mexican surgeons for a lengthy string of leadership positions he has held, delivered his comments during the keynote conference yesterday. The conference was organized to honor the work of Enrique Graue y Diaz Gonzalez, a renowned ophthalmologist and altruist who died exactly 2 years to the day before the event. Dr. Graue y Diaz Gonzalez, whose sons Enrique and Federico Graue Weichers are also both well-known ophthalmologists in Mexico, was recognized for his work in dramatically improving the facilities at Mexico’s Nuestra Señora de la Luz Hospital, among other accomplishments.