Vol 7, No 1 (2006): Practical Diabetology
Review article
Published online: 2006-02-13
Progress in diagnosis and treatment of diabetic retinopathy
Diabetologia Praktyczna 2006;7(1):30-36.
Abstract
The number of diabetics increases all over the world
and it is estimated that 300 million subjects will have
diabetes in 2025. The increasing morbidity, especially
due to type 2 diabetes mellitus is associated with
the increased rate of microangiopathy with retinopathy
being the most severe and frequent complication.
For this reason permanent visual impairment
due to diabetic retinopathy is of increasing importance.
Early detection and appropriate treatment of
retinopathy will limit the number of diabetics who
would lose their sight.
The paper describes the procedures for the diagnosis of retinopathy, both noninvasive and invasive such as fundus fluorescein angiography. Guidelines for the performance of angiography were provided. The recent techniques for the study of early retinal changes were discussed: scanning laser ophthalmoscopy (SLO), optical coherent tomography (OCT), confocal scanning laser tomography (HRT, Heidelberg retinal tomography), retinal thickness analyser (RTA) and scanning laser flowmeters. The current methods for the treatment of retinopathy were discussed, including laser therapy of the retina as the most important technique. Indications to laser therapy were provided. Measures to prevent both the development and progression of retinopathy were also described.
The paper describes the procedures for the diagnosis of retinopathy, both noninvasive and invasive such as fundus fluorescein angiography. Guidelines for the performance of angiography were provided. The recent techniques for the study of early retinal changes were discussed: scanning laser ophthalmoscopy (SLO), optical coherent tomography (OCT), confocal scanning laser tomography (HRT, Heidelberg retinal tomography), retinal thickness analyser (RTA) and scanning laser flowmeters. The current methods for the treatment of retinopathy were discussed, including laser therapy of the retina as the most important technique. Indications to laser therapy were provided. Measures to prevent both the development and progression of retinopathy were also described.
Keywords: diabetic retinopathydiagnosistreatmentprevention