Diabetic Retinopathy, a Neglected Complication

Abstract

Diabetes mellitus (dm) is a chronic degenerative disease, characterized by a microangiopathy affecting kidneys, legs and eyeballs. Diabetic retinopathy generates a progressive decrease in visual acuity which can lead to blindness. This loss of vision decreases quality of life of the patient and their family, and generates high economic cost to the family and the country. The objective of this review is to provide basic and necessary knowledge so the Family Physician can identify and treat diabetic retinopathy, which will provide high quality medical consultations in those patients who have dm.