Diabetic retinopathy. Preserving your patients' sight

Diabetic retinopathy is a major cause of morbidity and the leading cause of legal blindness in working-age persons in the United States. Retinopathy affects both juvenile-onset and noninsulin dependent diabetics. Most visual loss occurs in patients because they are seen late in the course of their disease. Several clinical trials have aided in establishing recommended screening and referral guidelines for patients with diabetes mellitus. Treatment strategies based on clinical trials are reviewed as well as the importance of control of both hyperglycemia and hypertension. Ocular findings are illustrated and discussed. The primary care physician can substantially reduce the risk of blindness and visual impairment in diabetic patients by prompt recognition of the ocular findings and understanding the importance of timely ophthalmologic evaluation.