Diabetische Retinopathie: Epidemiologie, Stadien, Diagnostik, Screening und Therapie

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is one of the most important organ manifestations of diabetes mellitus. About one third of diabetes patients worldwide show clinical signs of DR; in about 5–10%, there is a vision-threatening form. In both the non-proliferative form (NPDR) and the proliferative form (PDR), diabetic macular edema (DME) can occur. Optimization of blood glucose and blood pressure is the basis of prophylaxis and treatment. Regular eye examinations are necessary. The most important ophthalmologic examination is binocular stereoscopic examination of the fundus after pupil dilation. NPDR usually does not require specific ophthalmologic treatment. First-line treatment for PDR is laser photocoagulation of the ischemic retina. Adequate diabetologic and ophthalmologic diagnostic and therapeutic management with stringent interdisciplinary cooperation are essential to prevent blindness.