Which annual screening is recommended for patients with Type 2 diabetes mellitus?

• A. Biannual eye screening
• B. Yearly eye screening by an ophthalmologist
• C. One-time screening
• D. No screening is needed

Answer: (B)

Regular screening for diabetic retinopathy should be done annually with a dilated eye examination by an eye care professional. This is crucial because changes in the retina from diabetes often develop quietly and without symptoms at first. Detecting them early allows timely treatment, such as laser therapy or injections, to prevent vision loss.

For Type 2 diabetes, screening starts at the time of diagnosis and is repeated every year, since abnormalities can be present right away and can progress unnoticed. In contrast, screening that happens less often or only once can miss evolving retinopathy, and no screening puts vision at unnecessary risk.