Mathematical Modeling of Diabetic Retinopathy with Diabetic Macular Edema and Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma

Two mathematical models that assess the prognosis of the disease development among patients with diabetic retinopathy and type 2 diabetes mellitus have been developed. The first mathematical model makes it possible to define the disease prognosis among patients with diabetic retinopathy complicated by diabetic macular edema. To implement the proposed model, digital data of ophthalmic equipment- namely an optical coherence tomograph (OCT) and a fundus microperimeter (MAIA)- are required. The patient's biochemical examination data, such as the level of glycated hemoglobin in the blood serum HbA1c and the level of vascular endothelial growth factor in the lacrimal fluid VEGF-A, are also needed. The data of ophthalmic equipment and biochemical laboratory examination are described as four criteria for disease prediction. The values of the criteria are used to predict the progression of diabetic retinopathy and diabetic macular edema. The second mathematical model makes it possible to determine the disease prognosis in patients with diabetic retinopathy and primary open-angle glaucoma. To implement the proposed model, digital data of ophthalmic equipment, such as integral area of the neuroretinal rim, integral volume of the neuroretinal rim and optic disc excavation area, are required. Computer programs for both mathematical models have been created. The disease prognosis that is set using the computer program and ophthalmologists’ clinical data coincide, which proves the effectiveness of the proposed approach. © 2023, The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG.