It is hoped that this article has given the family physician an understanding of diabetic retinopathy and the recent advances in its treatment. It is crucial that both the family physician and an ophthalmologist follow diabetic patients closely, especially once they develop preproliferative or proliferative retinopathy. Too many patients lose their sight because they are first seen for treatment too late in the course of their disease. This is indeed a tragedy because laser treatment is effective in most patients.
