Is diabetic retinopathy screening worthwhile among people first diagnosed with diabetes at older ages? A cohort study of Norfolk diabetic retinopathy screening programme
Authors' conclusion
Diabetic retinopathy screening is less effective and less cost-effective with increasing age at diagnosis of diabetes, because of the increasing probability of death before participants develop sight-threatening diabetic retinopathy and can benefit from treatment. Upper age limits on entry into screening programmes or risk stratification in older age groups may, therefore, be justifiable.
Study context
- Population
- Participants in the Norfolk Diabetic Retinopathy Screening Programme, 2006–2017, with treatment and death data up to 2021
- Exposure
- Age groups defined by age at first screening episode
- Outcome
- Probability of receiving retinal laser photocoagulation or intravitreal injection, by age at first screening episode
Methodological detailslinked to hospital treatment and death data
- Linked to hospital treatment and death data
Main finding
As reported in the abstract
Probability of treatment and of death by age
- Probability of death increased with increasing age at diagnosis
- Probability of receiving either treatment decreased with increasing age
Observational data: associations, not effects.
Further findings
| Outcome | 70-79 | 80-89 |
|---|---|---|
| Screening cost per person who received either or both treatments | £21,721 | £26,214 |
- Screening cost per person who received either or both treatments — All participants
- £18,608
Screening cost per person who received either or both treatments
- Cost increased with age
Original publication
Is diabetic retinopathy screening worthwhile among people first diagnosed with diabetes at older ages? A cohort study of Norfolk diabetic retinopathy screening programme. Diabet Med. Published 22 June 2023. doi:10.
Composed by AI from the published abstract and checked against it. How Briefs are made →