The ophthalmoscopic and fluorescein angiographic picture of diabetic retinopathy

Abstract

The ophthalmoscopic and fluorescein angiographic findings in diabetic retinopathy are reviewed. It is pointed out that the fundus lesions seen in diabetic retinopathy are characteristic, but not specific for diabetes. It is still not settled which role alterations in the microcirculation, alterations in the tissue metabolism, hypoxia or defects in the oxygen delivery system may play as provoking factors in the development of the diabetic retinopathy. Future investigations should concentrate on early diabetes and must include studies on the retinal blood-flow, electroretinographic and histopathologic changes.