Clinical considerations in the management of diabetic retinopathy

Diabetes mellitus is a multisystem disease that results in debilitating visual loss for up to 5,800 Americans annually. Eye care for the patient with diabetes mellitus reflects a partnership of the primary physician, the eye doctor, and the patient. Ongoing clinical trials and established protocols defined by national clinical trials place a responsibility on the optometrist to ensure that all diabetic patients threatened with visual loss have the opportunity for timely and appropriate laser surgery.