Ulbig M R, Hamilton A M
Moorfields Eye Hospital, London, UK.
Eye (Lond). 1993;7 ( Pt 2):242-9. doi: 10.1038/eye.1993.57.
Despite recent improvements in the management of blood glucose control and in modern technology such as laser treatment and vitreoretinal surgery, diabetes mellitus is the major systemic cause of blindness in the Western world. The study of the natural history of diabetic retinopathy is difficult because of the variability of the disease, and the numerous factors that may influence its course and outcome. In the many studies available of the natural history of diabetic retinopathy, there is a failure to identify these factors. This article tries to identify and to classify the influences that may modify the outcome and the natural course of diabetic retinopathy, and gives some advice on how to deal with them. They can be subdivided into external, internal and ocular factors. Any future studies of the natural history of diabetic retinopathy are marred by the fact that effective treatment is now established and the guidelines for when to commence treatment and the techniques of treatment are well documented.
尽管近期在血糖控制管理以及激光治疗和玻璃体视网膜手术等现代技术方面有所改进，但糖尿病仍是西方世界失明的主要全身性病因。由于糖尿病视网膜病变的变异性以及可能影响其病程和结局的众多因素，对其自然病史的研究颇具难度。在众多关于糖尿病视网膜病变自然病史的现有研究中，未能识别出这些因素。本文试图识别并分类可能改变糖尿病视网膜病变结局和自然病程的影响因素，并就如何应对这些因素提供一些建议。这些因素可细分为外部、内部和眼部因素。由于目前已确立了有效的治疗方法，且何时开始治疗的指南以及治疗技术都有详尽记录，这一事实给未来任何关于糖尿病视网膜病变自然病史的研究带来了不利影响。
