Diabetic retinopathy. The primary care physician's role in management

Diabetic retinopathy is a treatable condition currently managed with aggressive therapy. Early recognition of the condition and its causes can protect the patient against blindness and sometimes restore visual acuity. From the first fundascopic examination and visual-acuity evaluation, the primary care physician starts the patient on a program of watchful follow-up, treatment, and referral to an opthalmologist.