Diabetic Retinopathy: An Overview for Non-Ophthalmologists

team approach, which involves primary care physicians, endocrinologists, ophthalmologists, nurses, optometrists, nutritionists, and dietitians, is of primary importance for identifying and treating diabetic retinopathy, the retinal complication of diabetes mellitus. In concert with the patient and family, a team’s common goals are blood glucose control, timely screening examinations, and early treatment when indicated to decrease the risk of vision loss. This article describes the signs and symptoms of diabetic retinopathy, differentiates the various clinical stages, and discusses how healthcare professionals can work together to prevent, diagnose, and treat this serious complication of diabetes.