This guideline last updated 07/05/2022 9:59:13

Differential diagnosis

• Retinal vein occlusion
• Retinal vasculitis

Possible management by Optometrist

Treatment

• None

Advice

• Only new blood vessels growing from the optic disc, or within a one disc diameter radius of the disc (also know as NVD or new vessels at the disc), or large new vessels elsewhere (also known as NVE), are of particular concern
• Urgent referral to diabetes eye screening, with images, for advice, if previously discharged from ophthalmology
• Urgent referral to ophthalmology, with images, for advice, if not known to ophthalmology
• Advise the importance of regular attendance at diabetes eye screening to preserve sight
• Refer patient to General Practice to facilitate optimisation of blood pressure and glycaemic control

Management Category

• Refer to Diabetes Eye Screening Service
• Refer to Ophthalmology

Possible management by Ophthalmologist

• Pan-retinal laser photocoagulation
• Intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor therapy