[The strategy for the prevention of diabetic blindness]

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is one of the most important causes of blindness in China as well as in the world. Recent years, the screening of DR and the therapy based on the evidence-based medicine are emphasized for effectively controlling the increase of the prevalence of DR. Extensive screening of DR in the community and secondary hospitals, periodic follow-up and evaluation of the patients are the key measures for reducing the rate of the visual impairment. The new international classification of DR is helpful for improving the communication among primary eye care workers, endocrine physicians, and ophthalmologists. The outcomes of several multi-center prospective randomized clinical trials on the photocoagulation, vitrectomy and systematic therapy for DR are useful for the early prevention and management of DR. If the therapy is based on the evidence-based medicine, the visual impairment caused by DR may be controlled effectively.