1. Optimal management of blood glucose levels, blood pressure, and lipids is recommended to reduce the risk or delay the progression of diabetic retinopathy. [Randomized controlled trial, general recommendation]

2. Screening plan:

1) Individuals with T1DM should have an initial comprehensive eye examination, including a dilated peripheral fundus examination, within 5 years of diagnosis. [Expert opinion, general recommendation]

2) People with T2DM should have an initial comprehensive eye examination, including a dilated peripheral fundus examination, at the time of diabetes diagnosis. [Expert opinion, general recommendation]

3) Following the initial examination, annual eye screenings are recommended. However, if there is no evidencen of retinopathy and glycemic indicators are within the goal range, screenings may be considered at 1 to 2 year intervals. [Randomized controlled trial, general recommendation]

3. Individuals of child-bearing potential with diabetes who are planning pregnancy should have an eye examination before pregnancy. [Randomized controlled trial, general recommendation]

4. Individuals with preexisting diabetes who are pregnant should have an eye examination within the first 3 months of pregnancy and receive counseling on the risks associated with the development and progression of diabetic retinopathy. Eye examinations should be monitored every 3 months and for 1 year postpartum. [Randomized controlled trial, general recommendation]

5. The use of aspirin for the prevention of CVD does not increase the risk of retinal hemorrhage. [Randomized controlled trial, general recommendation]

6. When retinopathy progresses to proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR), an immediate referral to an ophthalmologist for panretinal laser photocoagulation therapy is required. [Expert opinion, general recommendation]

7. Intravitreous injections of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) are an alternative to panretinal laser photocoagulation for som individuals with PDR. [Randomized controlled trial, limited recommendation]

8. For the treatment of diabetic retinopathy with macular edema, intravitreous injections of anti-VEGF or intravitreal dexamethasone implantsare indicated. [Randomized controlled trial, general recommendation]