Retinal blood vessel test in young-onset diabetic patients

136 patients with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) were shown the entoptic blood vessel figure. All patients were examined independently by retinal fluorescein angiography and ophthalmoscopy. 34 patients had no retinopathy, none of them believed to see alterations. 102 patients had different phases of diabetic retinopathy. If there were 1-5 microaneurysms within the 15 degrees meridian surrounding the central fovea, 55% of the patients were able to detect their alterations. If there were 6-20 microaneurysms, 77% of the patients were able to diagnose them. 90% of the patients with an even more severe retinopathy could see their abnormalities. Obviously there are no incorrectly positive results. For intelligent and well-observing patients with IDDM the retinal blood vessel test is a useful method for early detection and self control of diabetic retinopathy. Nevertheless, control of the fundus by an ophthalmologist is still necessary.