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Early detection of diabetic retinopathy
Author(s) -
Harper C Alex,
Taylor Hugh R,
O'Day Justin
Publication year - 1995
Publication title -
medical journal of australia
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.904
H-Index - 131
eISSN - 1326-5377
pISSN - 0025-729X
DOI - 10.5694/j.1326-5377.1995.tb138515.x
Subject(s) - ophthalmology , optometry , medicine , diabetic retinopathy , library science , diabetes mellitus , endocrinology , computer science
Diabetic retinopathy remains a leading cause of blindness in Australia. Most cases can be prevented by timely laser photocoagulation and this requires early detection of asymptomatic retinopathy. The Australian Diabetes Society recommends regular retinal examinations through dilated pupils, either at diagnosis of diabetes (onset over 30 years), or five years after diagnosis (onset under 30 years). Examination should be repeated at least every two years, or more frequently in the presence of visual symptoms, pregnancy or other risk factors. Diabetic patients and primary care physicians should be better informed about the effectiveness of timely treatment of diabetic retinopathy and the need for regular eye examinations, either by general practitioners or through referral to ophthalmologists.