Interdisciplinary Management of Diabetic Eye Disease: A Global Approach to Care

Abstract
Diabetic eye disease is a leading cause of acquired blindness in the United States. Most cases of blindness secondary to diabetes mellitus are preventable. In addition to exercise, proper diet, and aggressive glycemic control, patients with diabetes mellitus should be educated to adhere to established guidelines for an annual dilated retinal evaluation. The ideal model of care for patients with diabetic eye disease is an interdisciplinary, team-oriented approach with the patient as the central member of the healthcare team. The primary purpose of this paper is to present an interdisciplinary approach to management of the ocular complications of diabetes mellitus and to educate clinicians about diabetic eye disease.