If risk factors for diabetic retinopathy are present, how might screening frequency change?

• A. More frequent than annual
• B. Less frequent than annual
• C. Annual only
• D. Never

Answer: (A)

When there are risk factors for diabetic retinopathy, progression is more likely, so screening needs to happen more often than once a year to catch any changes early. Diabetic retinopathy can advance silently, and higher risk means eyes may develop treatable signs sooner, so clinicians often schedule exams every 6 months or even more frequently if the risk is high or if early signs are present. This increased monitoring allows timely management, such as better blood sugar and blood pressure control and, if needed, treatments to protect vision. The other options don’t fit because less frequent than annual could miss progression, annual only doesn’t account for added risk, and never isn’t a reasonable approach.