RT Journal Article SR Electronic T1 Managing diabetic retinopathy JF Cleveland Clinic Journal of Medicine JO Cleve Clin J Med FD Cleveland Clinic SP 609 OP 612 VO 57 IS 7 A2 Byron J. Hoogwerf A1 Z. Nicholas Zakov YR 1990 UL http://www.ccjm.org/content/57/7/609.abstract AB Diabetic retinopathy is a leading cause of visual impairment and blindness. The disease is more likely in patients with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, and the incidence is higher in diabetes of long duration. In background diabetic retinopathy, the vascular changes are confined to the retina; in proliferative retinopathy, vessels grow onto the posterior vitreous surface or wedge between the retina and the vitreous. Diagnostic accuracy is more likely with an ophthalmologic consultation. A team approach between the ophthalmologist and the primary care physician is recommended for effective overall management of these patients.