Patient support to reduce risk diabetic retinopathy

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is the most common cause of blindness in the western world resulting in damage to the blood vessels of the retina. This damage causes visual loss that can have a devastating effect on patients and their families, and is intensified by the loss of self-management abilities that may have physical and psychosocial implications. Nurses in both primary and secondary care settings need to understand the condition as they can play a vital role in reducing its incidence. This article discusses the causes, treatment and management of DR, and provides practical details of how nurses can help educate and empower patients to reduce their risk of developing it.