Understanding the value of diabetic retinopathy screening

Regular dilated eye examinations are an effective approach to detecting and treating vision-threatening diabetic retinopathy.(1) They can help prevent blindness, and they are cost-effective.(2,3) Guidelines for systematic scr eening have been developed because patients with retinopathy are often asym ptomatic, and photocoagulation treatment is more effective at reducing visu al loss when applied at specific, frequently asymptomatic, stages of retino pathty.(4,5) However, despite the recommendations for regular screening and the availability of effective treatment, many patients at risk of visual l oss due to severe retinopathy are not receiving dilated eye examinations an d needed photocoagulation treatments.(6,7)