Please note: This publication has been rescinded
It has been superseded by Guidelines for the Management of Diabetic Retinopathy (2008).
Synopsis
Diabetes affects about 5% of the population (estimated to be 350,000) and is a condition largely managed by primary care practitioners especially in rural and remote settings.
Of the entire diabetic population, at any given time, one third will suffer from some form of diabetic retinopathy (DR) and one third of these will have vision threatening retinopathy. The chance of developing DR increases with time and almost all patients with diabetes will develop some form of retinopathy after 20 years.
DR is, therefore, a very common disease. Indeed it is the commonest cause of preventable blindness in the working age group in Australia today. Given that it can be successfully treated if detected early, close co-operation of all health care providers is essential to reduce the risk of DR in the community.
It is in this context that this guide has been prepared. The issues of screening, management and treatment will be covered. Whilst much of the management and treatment must take place in a specialist context, it is hoped that screening and some follow-up can be undertaken at the primary care level. This can only be properly achieved, however, if primary care givers feel comfortable interpreting the relevant signs and symptoms and coordinating the subsequent management.
The series consists of:
- CP53 Clinical practice guidelines: Management of diabetic retinopathy (112p)
- CP54 Diabetes and your eyes: A consumer guide for the management of diabetic retinopathy (36p)
- CP55 Preserving vision in diabetes: A quick reference guide for optometrists, nurses and other health practitioners (16p)
- CP56 Management of diabetic retinopathy: A guide for general practitioners (28p)
