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Screening for Diabetic Retinopathy
Author(s) -
Owens D. R.,
Dolben J.,
Young S.,
Ryder R. E. J.,
Jones I. R.,
Vora J.,
Jones D.,
Morsman D.,
Hayes T. M.
Publication year - 1991
Publication title -
diabetic medicine
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.474
H-Index - 145
eISSN - 1464-5491
pISSN - 0742-3071
DOI - 10.1111/j.1464-5491.1991.tb02148.x
Subject(s) - medicine , diabetic retinopathy , retinopathy , diabetes mellitus , ophthalmoscopy , blindness , ophthalmology , eye examination , complication , incidence (geometry) , visual impairment , visual acuity , optometry , eye disease , surgery , retinal , endocrinology , physics , psychiatry , optics
There is a need for greater educational emphasis, both at undergraduate and postgraduate level, on the detection of diabetic eye disease, in particular diabetic retinopathy. The early diagnosis of the sight‐threatening lesions of proliferative retinopathy and maculopathy is a prerequisite for the prevention or reduction of the visual loss and blindness associated with this diabetic complication. It is also essential that patients are aware that diabetes can result in visual loss due to diabetic retinopathy. Patients should understand that diabetic retinopathy may be present without ophthalmic or diabetic symptoms and that its incidence increases with duration of diabetes, poor diabetes control, and hypertension. They must also be aware that, if detected early, retinopathy can be treated successfully and vision preserved. Early detection depends on regular eye examination involving both visual acuity assessment and ophthalmoscopy through dilated pupils by experienced personnel. A comprehensive programme of screening followed by prompt and adequate treatment would made a significant contribution to eradicating diabetic retinopathy as a cause of blindness.