[Revised guideline 'Diabetic retinopathy: screening, diagnosis and treatment']. / Richtlijn 'diabetische retinopathie: screening, diagnostiek en behandeling' (herziening).

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.

[Screening for diabetic retinopathy]. / Screening op diabetische retinopathie.

Concurrent with the increasing incidence of diabetes mellitus, the incidence of diabetic retinopathy is also rising. Timely recognition with the aid of screening, followed by laser therapy, can prevent the greater part of the resulting visual impairment and blindness. However, many patients with diabetes are not screened or not screened adequately. The necessary screening frequency is annually or biannually, depending on the degree of retinopathy and the presence of risk factors, of which glycaemic control, duration of diabetes, blood pressure, lipid profile, and race are the most important. Digital 2-field fundus photography, preferably in mydriasis, is of sufficient quality for routine screening. The impact of screening programmes can be further improved by applying the optimal method and by initiating an active implementation strategy.