Illustration of a healthy eye with clear blood vessels, and a doctor in the background

Eyes on Health: New Guidelines for Preventing Vision Loss in Diabetes

Samir D’Costa in Health & Wellness December 2025 • 5 min read.

"Early Detection is Key: Understanding the Latest Recommendations for Diabetic Retinopathy Screening"

Diabetes is a global health concern, and one of its most common complications is diabetic retinopathy (DR). DR affects the blood vessels in the retina, which can lead to vision loss if not addressed promptly. The good news is that with early detection and proper care, the progression of DR can often be slowed or even stopped. This article will explore the latest evidence-based guidelines for screening DR, which were initially developed in Denmark, to offer insights on the current state of the diagnosis and care of DR.

These guidelines are a beacon of hope for those with diabetes, offering a structured approach to eye care that aims to preserve vision. They provide a comprehensive strategy for identifying and managing DR effectively. The focus is on early detection, which is essential to minimize the risk of vision loss. This approach emphasizes the importance of regular eye exams and proactive care.

This guide provides an understanding of DR screening, examination techniques, screening intervals, and automated screening, with the aim of providing actionable information on how to protect your vision and manage your diabetes effectively. The article is designed to empower you with knowledge, ensuring that you can proactively manage your eye health alongside your overall diabetes care.

What are the New Guidelines for Diabetic Retinopathy?

Illustration of a healthy eye with clear blood vessels, and a doctor in the background

The guidelines, primarily developed in Denmark, emphasize the importance of early and regular screening for DR in people with diabetes. The main goal is to catch any signs of DR early, thereby enabling timely intervention to prevent vision loss. The guidelines are designed to be a flexible and adaptable framework, with the intervals between screenings personalized based on the individual's risk factors and the severity of any existing DR. This approach is a significant step forward, offering tailored eye care that recognizes the varying needs of those with diabetes.

The guidelines cover four critical areas of DR screening: classification, examination techniques, screening intervals, and automated screening. Each area provides specific recommendations designed to improve the accuracy of detection, enhance patient care, and ensure that resources are used efficiently. This comprehensive approach helps healthcare providers make well-informed decisions, thereby improving the outcomes for patients with diabetes. The guidelines are structured to ensure a proactive, systematic approach to eye health for people with diabetes, thus highlighting the commitment to preserving their vision.

Classification of DR: The guidelines recommend using the International Clinical Retinopathy Disease Severity Scale to classify DR. This standardized approach helps in accurately assessing the severity of the condition.
Examination Techniques: A minimum of mydriatic two-field disc and macular-centered images are required. In cases of suspected diabetic macular edema, additional optical coherence tomography (OCT) may be used.
Screening Intervals: The guidelines suggest a flexible screening schedule. It may be extended to 24–48 months for patients with no or mild non-proliferative DR. For those with moderate non-proliferative DR, intervals of 12–24 months may be suitable, provided that glycaemic control (HbA1c), and blood pressure are well-managed.
Automated Screening: While automated screening is promising, it is not yet recommended for widespread implementation. It should be used in combination with traditional approaches to enhance diagnostic accuracy.

These recommendations are designed to provide a framework for eye care professionals to make informed decisions. They reflect current best practices. The guidelines are a testament to the commitment to protecting the vision of people with diabetes. They emphasize the importance of regular eye exams and early interventions to help maintain eye health.

Take Control of Your Eye Health

The new guidelines represent a significant step forward in the management of diabetic retinopathy. The guidelines offer a strategic, adaptable approach to eye care, thereby enabling proactive management. If you have diabetes, these guidelines emphasize the importance of regular eye exams and early intervention for protecting your vision and preventing potential vision loss. Consult your healthcare provider to discuss your specific needs and how these guidelines can be incorporated into your care plan. Prioritizing your eye health is an investment in your overall health and well-being. Embrace these recommendations and take proactive steps towards preserving your vision.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.1111/aos.13936, Alternate LINK

Title: Evidence-Based Danish Guidelines For Screening Of Diabetic Retinopathy

Subject: Ophthalmology

Journal: Acta Ophthalmologica

Publisher: Wiley

Authors: Jakob Grauslund, Nis Andersen, Jens Andresen, Per Flesner, Per Haamann, Steffen Heegaard, Michael Larsen, Caroline Schmidt Laugesen, Katja Schielke, Jesper Skov, Toke Bek

Published: 2018-10-11

Everything You Need To Know

What is diabetic retinopathy (DR), and why is early detection so important according to the new guidelines?

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a complication of diabetes that affects the blood vessels in the retina, potentially leading to vision loss. Early detection, as emphasized in the guidelines, is crucial because it allows for timely intervention. By identifying DR in its early stages, healthcare providers can implement strategies to slow or even stop its progression, preserving vision. Without early detection, DR can advance to more severe stages, making treatment less effective and increasing the risk of significant vision impairment. The guidelines are structured to facilitate early detection through regular screening and proactive management.

How do the new guidelines recommend classifying diabetic retinopathy, and why is standardized classification important?

The guidelines recommend using the International Clinical Retinopathy Disease Severity Scale to classify diabetic retinopathy (DR). Standardized classification is important because it provides a consistent and accurate way to assess the severity of the condition. This ensures that healthcare providers can communicate effectively about a patient's condition and make informed decisions about treatment and follow-up. By using a universally recognized scale, the guidelines aim to improve the consistency and quality of DR care across different healthcare settings. This scale is crucial for monitoring the progression of DR and tailoring treatment plans to the specific needs of each patient.

What specific examination techniques are recommended in the guidelines for diabetic retinopathy screening, and what additional diagnostic tools might be used?

The guidelines specify that a minimum of mydriatic two-field disc and macular-centered images are required for diabetic retinopathy (DR) screening. These images allow healthcare providers to visualize the retina and identify any abnormalities. In cases of suspected diabetic macular edema, additional optical coherence tomography (OCT) may be used. OCT provides detailed cross-sectional images of the retina, helping to detect fluid accumulation and structural changes that are indicative of macular edema. These examination techniques are designed to provide a comprehensive assessment of the retina and ensure accurate detection of DR and its complications.

How do the new guidelines address the intervals between screenings for diabetic retinopathy, and what factors influence the recommended screening schedule?

The guidelines suggest a flexible screening schedule for diabetic retinopathy (DR), with intervals tailored to the individual's risk factors and the severity of any existing DR. For patients with no or mild non-proliferative DR, screening intervals may be extended to 24–48 months. For those with moderate non-proliferative DR, intervals of 12–24 months may be suitable, provided that glycaemic control (HbA1c) and blood pressure are well-managed. The screening schedule is influenced by factors such as the patient's HbA1c levels, blood pressure, and the presence and severity of DR. This personalized approach ensures that patients receive the appropriate level of monitoring and intervention based on their individual needs.

What is the role of automated screening in the new guidelines for diabetic retinopathy, and what are its limitations?

While automated screening for diabetic retinopathy (DR) is promising, the guidelines do not yet recommend it for widespread implementation. Instead, the guidelines suggest that it should be used in combination with traditional approaches to enhance diagnostic accuracy. Automated screening technologies have the potential to improve efficiency and access to care, but they are not yet accurate enough to replace comprehensive eye exams. The limitations of automated screening include the potential for false positives and false negatives, as well as the need for skilled personnel to interpret the results. Further research and development are needed to fully realize the potential of automated screening in the management of DR.