Diabetic retinopathy is a microvascular complication of diabetes and the leading cause of new-onset blindness among adults. Major risk factors for the development of diabetic retinopathy include poor glycemic control, hypertension, duration of diabetes, dyslipidemia, and microalbuminuria. Laser pan retinal photocoagulation therapy is considered the gold standard for treatment of proliferative diabetic retinopathy.
Patients with no apparent diabetic retinopathy on eye examination may be screened annually. Control of glycemia and blood pressure reduces the risk for proliferative diabetic retinopathy. In patients with high-risk proliferative diabetic retinopathy, pan retinal photocoagulation should be initiated.
Intravitreal anti-VEGF therapy is effective for the treatment of proliferative diabetic retinopathy. However, it relies on regular visits for frequent injections every 4-6 weeks. Patients lost to follow-up are at risk of devastating outcomes: irreversible blindness, glaucoma, retinal detachments, and retinal ischemia.
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Cite this: Anne L. Peters. Fast Five Quiz: Type 2 Diabetes Management - Medscape - Apr 27, 2022.
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