We agree with Prof Schmidt on the importance of detecting rubeosis iridis in the follow-up examinations. In the article’s table, recommendation 3.3 makes it clear that in the follow-up exam an examination of the anterior segment of the eye should be included (1). The German National Disease Management Guideline on the prevention and treatment of retinal complications in diabetes (www.netzhautkomplikationen.versorgungsleitlinien.de) (2) explains this in greater detail and emphasizes that a slit lamp examination should be undertaken to detect possible rubeosis iridis.
According to currently available study evidence, smoking cessation is among the general recommendations in the treatment of type 2 diabetes (cf also the German National Disease Management Guideline on the treatment of type 2 diabetes (www.dm-therapie.versorgungsleitlinien.de)) (3). In type 1 diabetes, studies have shown that smoking is a risk factor for retinopathy (3). In type 2 diabetes, by contrast studies have not shown a harmful effect for the eyes. Smoking is mentioned in the guideline, but it is not explicitly listed as an additional risk factor and is not included in the summary of this publication either.
Footnotes
Conflict of interest statement
The authors of both contributions declare that no conflict of interests exists.
References
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