Diabetes is the commonest cause of blindness in
young adults. The aim of the diabetes research
theme is to protect people from loss of vision by
improving the diagnosis and treatment of diabetic
retinal disease. We have a broad strategy that
integrates distinct but complementary
programmes of research to translate progress in
scientific research into effective new interventions.
These research programmes include the
development of highly sensitive diagnostic
imaging techniques and powerful new therapies.
At Moorfields and the UCL Institute of Ophthalmology we are committed to addressing
visual loss in diabetes in accordance with the St Vincent Declaration (a set of goals for the medical
care of people with diabetes published following an international conference in 1989) to enable people
with the condition to lead independent lives of high quality.
Diagnostic imaging techniques
The retina can be studied in unique detail because
it is accessible to optical imaging. We are using
high-resolution cellular and molecular imaging
techniques to study the effect of diabetes on the
retina and the impact of therapeutic interventions.
We are working to develop imaging and
psychophysical techniques to help us to
understand the relationship between changes in
retinal structure and function. As a ‘window’
to the brain, imaging of the retina enables us to
study mechanisms of disease relevant to the central
nervous system. Consequently, we are collaborating
with neurologists to identify biomarkers of vascular
disease in the retina that can be used as tools
for the prevention of stroke.
Powerful new therapies
Recent scientific advances in our understanding
of the mechanisms involved in diabetic retinal
disease have led to the identification of new
targets for treatment. The first results of an
ongoing clinical trial demonstrate that
intraocular delivery of a VEGF inhibitor (a
substance that prevents the formation or growth
of new blood vessels) can improve visual outcome
in people with diabetes, benefiting five times
more people than conventional laser treatment.
We are also working to understand the impact
of diabetic retinal disease on people’s abilities
to perform the essential activities of daily life.
By offering hospital-based vision rehabilitation
services to people with diabetes, we will
investigate in detail the effect of diabetes on
people’s sight. The results of this work will
inform the future development of services
to enable people with diabetes to make the
most of their visual ability.
The Reading Centre
The Reading Centre provides vital objective
evaluation of images for clinical epidemiological
studies and clinical trials. It has a broad role
within the BRC that includes teaching and
training, research into the best methods
of image analysis, and validation of new
imaging techniques. For more information visit www.readingcentre.org