[Consensus on diagnosis, screening and treatment of diabetic retinopathy]

The management and timing of the treatment of diabetic retinopathy has changed in recent years. Screening for diabetic retinopathy should preferably be performed by ophthalmologists. However, in concert with the local ophthalmologist general physicians with knowledge and experience of eye investigations can play a certain part in the screening for diabetic retinopathy. Good communication between general physician and ophthalmologist is of special interest in detecting the risk factors; systemic hypertension, poor metabolic control, pregnancy, proteinuria and rapid metabolic control of previously high blood glucose levels. For the time being fundus photography as a screening method can only be used on a limited scale and under scientific conditions. No consensus could be reached concerning the pre-treatment use of fluorescein angiography.