Frequency of Evidence-Based Screening for Retinopathy in Type 1 Diabetes

The probability of progression from “preclinical” diabetic retinopathy to proliferative retinopathy or clinical macular edema was estimated. Individualized screening frequency based on the current retinopathy state and glycated hemoglobin level appeared to be feasible. Diabetic retinopathy is the most common cause of blindness in adults in the United States. 1 Fortunately, the risk of the development and progression of retinopathy can be reduced substantially by modern-day intensive glycemic management. 2 – 5 Moreover, if clinically significant macular edema or vision-threatening proliferative diabetic retinopathy develops, timely intervention with laser photocoagulation or with intraocular glucocorticoids or anti–vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) agents can substantially reduce loss of vision. 6 – 9 Thus, the goal of retinopathy screening is the timely detection of retinopathy that would, without intervention, cause vision loss. In patients with type 1 diabetes, annual screening for retinopathy starting . . .