[The incidence and opportunity for the diagnosis of diabetic retinopathy]

This study aims to establish the frequency of diabetic retinopathy (DR) in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) type II in Leon, Guanajuato, Mexico, as well as the opportunity for their diagnosis. A prospective study was carried out in a sample of 100 patients. DR was stratified using the classification of the Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study Research Group and diagnosed in 42 per cent of the sample. The evolution time of diabetes in this group was different from that of the group without RD (p < 0.0001). A direct proportional and significant relationship between the duration of DM and an increasing severity of DR was found. Opportune diagnosis was made in 70 per cent of the cases with DR. In 81 per cent of the 42 patients with DR, no previous diagnosis was made. This study shows a high proportion of RD without diagnosis. The intensification of educational strategies for the opportune detection and early treatment of DR is recommended.