AIM:To observe the application of direct funduscopy in screening for diabetic retinopathy in communities.

METHODS:After mydriasis, 265 patients with diabetes mellitus(DM)in communities were examined for fundus by direct funduscopy. The patients with diabetic retinopathy(DR)were further received fluorescence fundus angiography(FFA)after referral to superior hospitals.

RESULTS:Within the 265 patients with DM, 79 patients were diagnosed as DR and the positive rate of DR was 29.8%. Among the patients with DR, there were 46 patients with non- proliferative diabetic retinopathy(NPDR)and 33 patients with proliferative diabetic retinopathy(PDR); the positive rate was respectively 17.4% and 12.5%. All patients with DR were further diagnosed by FFA after referral. Three patients with NPDR were diagnosed with PDR, and 22 patients received laser treatment.

CONCLUSION:Ordinary application of direct funduscopy in patients with DM in communities would early detect the DR. It is very necessary to master direct funduscopy for general practitioners.