Ocular Complications Associated With Diabetes Mellitus

Diabetes mellitus is a complex, multifactorial disease that is often associated with progressive retinopathy and visual loss. In this book, Drs. Scott, Flynn, and Smiddy have compiled the current basic science and clinical information from leading authorities on diabetic eye disease. They have also included the results of clinical trials in patients with diabetic retinopathy, as well as the guidelines established by collaborative studies and the concepts of disease mechanisms and clinical management that have subsequently evolved from those guidelines. This monograph will provide practitioners with a concise, up-to-date, practical reference for the diagnosis and management of ocular disease in diabetic patients.

Clinical Dilemmas in Diabetes provides evidence-based clinical guidance on the most common and problematic areas of concern encountered in diagnosing, treating and managing patients with diabetes. Each chapter is highly topical and has been selected due to current interest, specific recent developments, and areas of controversy. This valuable guide provides assistance in managing the life-long treatment of diabetes and the complications that often develop in patients. Clinical Dilemmas in Diabetes guides the medical team in their decision-making, particularly when there are conflicts in the treatment for the disease and the complications. Part of the Clinical Dilemmas series, the well-focused chapter structure allows for quick retrieval of information, and each opens with a “Learning Points” box to aid easy assimilation of the main issues. With a leading team of contributors and editors, Professor Robert A. Rizza is the immediate Past-President of the American Diabetes Association. This book is perfect for use on the wards and clinics as well as for self-study by diabetologists, diabetes specialist nurses, endocrinologists, GPs and cardiologists.

The commonest cause of blindness in young and middle-aged people in the Western world is diabetes mellitus. Although the mechanism underlying diabetic retinopathy is still not understood, the technology to reduce its progress exists, provided treatment is given at the appropriate time. Doctors caring for patients with diabetes should be familiar with all aspects of diabetic retinopathy as well as the other ocular complications of diabetes. They also need a basic knowledge of the special techniques used in the diagnosis and treatment of diabetic eye disease (fundus fluorescein angiography, retinal photocoagulation, vitrectomy) and to understand how these procedures affect the diabetic patient in terms of limitation of activities and time off work. To ensure the most efficient use of ophthalmic services a clear plan of referral to ophthalmologists is required. These are the concepts on which this guide is based, compiled by an ophthalmologist involved in the treatment of diabetic eye disease and a physician with a special interest in diabetes. In addition to doctors involved in the management of diabetic patients, this guide may be of value to ophthalmic opticians, medical students and nurses as a self-instruction manual. ' 7 1 Examination of the Eye Testing visual acuity Using the ophthalmoscope The normal fundus The abnormal fundus Recording the findings 9 TESTING VISUAL ACUITY Method Test one eye at a time. Test distant visual acuity. Correct the refractive error if the visual acuity is worse than 6/6.

Complications of Diabetes is a concise reference introducing clinicians to the possible complications with diabetes. It stresses the need for early detection and covers all complications occurring in different parts of the body. Beginning with an overview of acute and chronic complications of diabetes, separate chapters discuss renal complications, ocular complications, foot complications, diabetes and coronary artery disease and diabetes and cerebrovascular disease.