Diabetic retinopathy: A GP’s role

Abstract

Diabetic retinopathy is the leading cause of visual impairment in the UK’s working-age population. It is a progressive disease in which chronic hyperglycaemia causes vascular injury, resulting in leakage and occlusion of small vessels in the eye. Despite the recent implementation of a national NHS diabetic eye screening programme, some patients still present in the later stages of retinopathy; this is more difficult to treat. To help prevent this it is important to empower patients through educating them about their condition and the importance of attending the screening programme, and it also vital to ensure ease of access to this service. By utilising intensive glycaemic control, which the UK Prospective Diabetes Study showed can significantly reduce the risk of progression of diabetic retinopathy, GPs can successfully help patients avoid serious visual impairment. This article is focused on the ocular manifestations of diabetes, specifically the disease progression, and how it should be managed in both the primary and secondary care setting.