Diabetic retinopathy management guidelines

Abstract

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is an important cause of avoidable blindness worldwide. Seventy percent of diabetes occur in low and lower-middle income countries. Clinical practice guidelines for the management of DR have been implemented throughout the world, but mainly in developed nations. However, there is considerable variation between existing guidelines in the recommended frequency of referral, methods for examination and personnel involved in screening and review. This review compares the differences between current available guidelines in the context of the current medical evidence and also addresses the implications for management of DR in countries with limited resources.

Keywords::

• diabetic retinopathy
• disease management
• guideline
• low resource
• public health
• screening

Financial & competing interests disclosure

The authors have no relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript. This includes employment, consultancies, honoraria, stock ownership or options, expert testimony, grants or patents received or pending, or royalties.

No writing assistance was utilized in the production of this manuscript.