Diabetic retinopathy

Med Clin North Am. 1998 Jul;82(4):847-76. doi: 10.1016/s0025-7125(05)70027-4.

Abstract

Nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy may cause visual loss when associated with macular edema or macular ischemia (secondary to retinal capillary nonperfusion). Proliferative diabetic retinopathy may cause severe visual loss if complicated by vitreous hemorrhage or traction detachment of the macula. Patients with diabetes benefit from collaboration between the internist and ophthalmologist. Tighter control of blood glucose levels and lower blood pressure reduce the risk of progression of diabetic retinopathy. Regular dilated eye examinations and appropriate intervention with laser or vitrectomy surgery help to preserve vision in patients with established macular edema or proliferative diabetic retinopathy.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Blindness / etiology
  • Blood Glucose / metabolism
  • Diabetic Retinopathy / complications*
  • Diabetic Retinopathy / prevention & control
  • Diabetic Retinopathy / surgery
  • Disease Progression
  • Edema / etiology
  • Edema / surgery
  • Humans
  • Hypertension / complications
  • Hypertension / prevention & control
  • Ischemia / etiology
  • Laser Therapy
  • Macula Lutea / blood supply
  • Macula Lutea / pathology
  • Macula Lutea / surgery
  • Retinal Detachment / etiology
  • Retinal Diseases / etiology
  • Retinal Diseases / surgery
  • Risk Factors
  • Vision Disorders / etiology
  • Vitrectomy
  • Vitreous Hemorrhage / etiology

Substances

  • Blood Glucose