An Overview of Diabetic Eye Disease

Abstract

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a leading cause of preventable blindness. It is estimated that by 2010 there will be a doubling of its prevalence since 1994. The national development of retinal screening programmes aims to manage this increase in numbers and prevent sight loss. Many have developed a classification system based on retinal features seen on fundus photography. There have also been changes to the classification schemes of diabetic retinal disease used by ophthalmologists which reflect the risk of developing sight threatening retinopathy. Although laser therapy and surgery remain the cornerstones of treatment of diabetic eye disease, there are other treatments which may prove to be effective and evidence of their long-term use is awaited. Glycaemic control and blood pressure management are vital in preventing progression of retinal disease and managing these risk factors is particularly important when sight threatening DR is being treated. An understanding of the classifications and retinopathy status of those with diabetes can thereby aid management decisions by other professionals involved in diabetes care.