title: Management of diabetic retinopathy.
abstract: Sub-Saharan Africa faces an epidemic of diabetes. Visual loss from diabetic retinopathy (DR) is both preventable and treatable. This article reviews the epidemiology and clinical features of DR and current evidence-based interventions in three areas: primary prevention of retinopathy by optimum medical management, early detection of pre-symptomatic disease and management of established retinopathy to prevent or mitigate visual loss. There are significant challenges to DR care in resource poor environments. Appropriate provision of effective interventions by health services can reduce social and economic costs associated with patient care.
authors.affiliation: Sheffield Medical School, UK.
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Ellis
authors.affiliation: Malawi-Liverpool-Wellcome Trust Clinical Research Programme Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital.
authors.forename: P I
authors.initials: PI
authors.lastname: Burgess
authors.affiliation: Ophthalmology unit, Department of Surgery, College of Medicine, University of Malawi, Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital, Blantyre, Malawi.
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Kayange
mesh_terms: D003924:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis; D003930:Diabetic Retinopathy / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*; D019468:Disease Management; D006801:Humans; D012307:Risk Factors