[Early diagnosis and therapy of diabetic retinopathy]

Diabetic eye disease, especially diabetic retinopathy including maculopathy, is the most common cause of blindness in industrialized countries. However, if adequate treatment (photocoagulation, vitrectomy) is started timely, severe visual loss from this disease can be prevented in most instances. This paper reports on clinical findings, classification and treatment of diabetic eye disease. It is emphasized that only an effective screening and prevention strategy can lead to a reduction of blindness from diabetic retinopathy.