management of background retinopathy
Last reviewed 01/2018
No treatment is indicated for simple background diabetic retinopathy (1)
- is actively treated only if it involves or threatens to involve the fovea
- laser photocoagulation is preceded by fluorescein angiography to try to identify a focal source of leakage.
Progression to more severe retinopathy is related to control of diabetes
- progression can be reduced by intensive blood sugar control in type 1 and by both intensive blood pressure and blood sugar control in type 2
- eyes should be checked regularly, often annually, for any progressive changes
- in the UK, this level of retinopathy is monitored with annual digital photography in population-based Screening Programmes for Diabetic Retinopathy
- ACE inhibitors may be of benefit (1).
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