Patient support to reduce risk of diabetic retinopathy

Diabetic retinopathy causes a loss of sight that can affect physical and psychosocial abilities. Nurses can help reduce the incidence of this devastating condition

In this article…

> The risk factors of diabetic retinopathy

> How DR can be diagnosed and treated

> How nurses can help reduce the incidence of DR

Abstract

Mclauchlan R (2014) Patient support to reduce risk of diabetic retinopathy. Nursing Times; 110: 25, 12–15.

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is the most common cause of blindness in the western world resulting in damage to the blood vessels of the retina. This damage causes visual loss that can have a devastating effect on patients and their families, and is intensified by the loss of self-management abilities that may have physical and psychosocial implications. Nurses in both primary and secondary care settings need to understand the condition as they can play a vital role in reducing its incidence. This article discusses the causes, treatment and management of DR, and provides practical details of how nurses can help educate and empower patients to reduce their risk of developing it.