[Revised guideline 'Diabetic retinopathy: screening, diagnosis and treatment']

Abstract

The revised evidence-based guideline 'Diabetic retinopathy: screening, diagnosis and treatment' contains important recommendations concerning screening, diagnosis and treatment of diabetic retinopathy. Regular screening and the treatment of risk factors, such as hyperglycemia, hypertension, adipositas and dyslipidemia, can prevent retinopathy and slow down its development. Fundus photography is recommended as a screening method. If necessary, diagnosis by biomicroscopy and a treatment consisting of photocoagulation and/or vitrectomy should be performed by the ophthalmologist. The reassessment of responsibilities is a vital component of the implementation of the guideline bearing in mind that the screening in particular, can be performed by personnel other than ophthalmologists.