Dynamic monitoring of patients with diabetic retinopathy as a key to prevention of severe ophthalmic complications

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a microvascular complication of diabetes mellitus and is one of the main causes of permanent vision loss among people of working age. Purpose of the work: to summarize modern scientific ideas on the organization of dynamic observation of patients with DR with an emphasis on optimal algorithms for screening, monitoring and prevention of severe ophthalmic complications. Object and methods of the study. The work was carried out in the form of an analytical review of modern scientific sources devoted to the problem of dispensary observation in DR. International clinical recommendations, results of multicenter studies, meta-analyses on the frequency of examinations and the organization of screening programs were analyzed. Methods of systematic analysis, comparison and genera­lization were applied. Results. It was found that the lack of regular ophthalmic control increases the risk of progression of DR to proliferative forms and diabetic macular edema. The effectiveness of differentiated frequency of examinations depending on the stage of the process, the combination of metabolic control with regular monitoring and the use of modern imaging methods has been proven. Surgical interventions — phacoemulsification and vitrectomy — are considered as important stages of the patient’s route, requiring clear postoperative monitoring. A promising direction is the introduction of digital technologies and artificial intelligence algorithms to expand the availability of screening. Conclusion. The formation of a structured system of continuous dispensary observation is a key condition for the prevention of disabling complications of DR and the preservation of vision in patients with diabetes.