Eye care guidelines for patients with diabetes mellitus.

Diabetic retinopathy is the leading cause of blindness in adults under age 65 in the United States. Risk is related to the stage of retinopathy. With new treatments available, it is imperative that diabetics be properly screened. Those with retinopathy of more than five years duration should be referred to an ophthalmologist. Since photocoagulation has been shown effective for treatment of macular edema and proliferative retinopathy, it is imperative that these patients be referred for timely evaluation.