New Survey of U.S. Adults with Diabetes Reveals Less than Half Understand Their Risk for Vision Loss

Findings show many living with diabetes are not taking a simple step to help protect their vision

News provided by

Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

Nov 05, 2015, 08:45 ET

TARRYTOWN, N.Y., Nov. 5, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ: REGN) announced that a new survey released today at the start of Diabetes Awareness Month found that less than half of recently surveyed U.S. adults with diabetes recognize their risk for vision loss.1 In fact, less than one-fifth (18 percent) of respondents said they were familiar with diabetic macular edema (DME),1 a term that refers to swelling of the macula and is a complication of diabetic retinopathy, the most common diabetic eye disease.2 These findings are part of a survey conducted by the Market Research Group at Everyday Health, Inc. on behalf of Regeneron.

The survey found that nearly one third (30 percent) of respondents reported they do not get an annual comprehensive dilated eye exam,1 a test that can help to detect DME and diabetic retinopathy.3 Of those respondents who do not get an annual dilated eye exam, more than half (56 percent) were not aware that the exam is recommended by the National Eye Institute for people with diabetes or that it could help protect against vision loss associated with the disease.1,3

"Getting an annual comprehensive dilated eye exam is a critical step that may help to prevent future vision loss by identifying issues early," said Dr. Allen Ho, MD FACS, Director of Retina Research, Wills Eye Hospital and Professor of Ophthalmology at Thomas Jefferson University. "These survey findings underscore the need for more awareness among the diabetes community about their risk for vision loss and what they can do help protect their vision."

Additional findings from the online survey of 1,074 people living with diabetes include:

  • When thinking about diabetes complications, those surveyed said eye disease is the number two concern, behind cardiovascular disease.1
  • Despite concerns, however, less than half (44 percent) of respondents said they were very knowledgeable about eye diseases that could result in vision loss.1
  • Only one third (35 percent) of respondents said they were familiar with diabetic retinopathy, specifically.1

In an effort to create awareness and dialogue about improved eye care for people living with diabetes, Regeneron launched a new online resource, www.DiabetesSightRisk.com, which offers information about diabetic eye diseases including facts and symptoms, as well as details around comprehensive dilated eye exams. Visitors to the site can also find a nearby retina specialist, via the American Society of Retina Specialists directory.

In addition, the company has teamed up with Intelligent Retinal Imaging Systems™ (IRIS) on a month-long national initiative called the 30/30 Campaign®. Through this program, IRIS will hold 30 or more diabetic retinopathy screening events across the United States during Diabetes Awareness Month this November. A calendar of the screening events is available at www.DiabetesSightRisk.com.

About the Survey
The Diabetes Eye Health Survey was conducted by Everyday Health, Inc., a leading provider of digital health and wellness solutions. Everyday Health, Inc. conducted a quantitative online survey – designed by Everyday Health on behalf of Regeneron – among a representative sample of 1,074 U.S. adults diagnosed with diabetes. The survey was fielded August 4 – 17, 2015. The margin of sampling error at the 95 percent level of confidence is +/-2.99 for total respondents (1,074).

Audiences surveyed included:

  • 1,074 U.S. adults who have diabetes
    • 755 U.S. adults who have had an annual dilated eye exam
    • 319 U.S. adults who have not had an annual dilated eye exam

About Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Regeneron (NASDAQ: REGN) is a leading science-based biopharmaceutical company based in Tarrytown, New York that discovers, invents, develops, manufactures, and commercializes medicines for the treatment of serious medical conditions. Regeneron commercializes medicines for high LDL cholesterol, eye diseases and a rare inflammatory condition and has product candidates in development in other areas of high unmet medical need, including oncology, rheumatoid arthritis, asthma, atopic dermatitis, pain, and infectious diseases. For additional information about the company, please visit www.regeneron.com or follow @Regeneron on Twitter.

Regeneron Contact:

Media Relations
Ilana Tabak
Tel: (914) 847-3836
Mobile:  (914) 450-6677
[email protected]

1 Data on file. Everyday Health Diabetes Eye Health Survey, August 2015. Everyday Health, Inc. conducted a quantitative online survey on behalf of Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. among a representative sample of 1,074 U.S. adults diagnosed with diabetes.

2 National Eye Institute. Information for Healthy Vision: Diabetic Eye Disease FAQ. https://nei.nih.gov/diabetes/content/english/faq. Accessed October 12, 2015.

3 National Eye Institute. What is a comprehensive dilated eye exam? https://nei.nih.gov/healthyeyes/eyeexam. Accessed September 4, 2015

SOURCE Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

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