[Review of the protocol for the treatment of diabetic retinopathy]

We present general guidelines to help us with the treatment of diabetic retinopathy (DR) at a time when numerous therapeutic alternatives have been developed although their role has not yet been adequately defined. This protocol is not directed at experienced retinologists but rather at general ophthalmologists who require a practical and up to date guide of a pathology as prevalent as RD. The different therapeutic options available, and their most accepted indications depending on the degree of diabetic retinopathy that patients have, are reviewed. We propose what to do in cases of mild, moderate and severe non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy as well as in cases of proliferative diabetic retinopathy (panphotocoagulation/antiangiogenic drugs/vitreorretinal surgery). The treatment of diabetic macular edema depending on its angiographic and topographic characteristics is also discussed. The importance of metabolic control of the patient is stressed (tight glycemic control, control of arterial hypertension and dyslipemia) in aiding the treatment of diabetic retinopathy. This therapeutic proposal has been discussed widely by retinologists from the four largest hospitals in the Canary Islands, and is therefore an agreed text based on recent scientific literature.