Ultraviolet Irradiation

Diabetic Retinopathy: Early Diagnosis and Effective Treatment by Dr. med. Aris N. Kollias, Prof. Dr. med. Michael W. Ulbig in volume 5/2010

Because the focus is on early and effective treatment, I wish to mention our positive experiences with ultraviolet irradiation of the blood (UBI) in a scenario of prevention or long term delay of diabetic complications (1). The use of laser treatment did not vary greatly—no more, not much less—but patients’ vision was improved and was maintained at a constant level for a long time—in many cases, for decades. These experiences were supported by long term improvements of the blood pressure amplitude and lowered plasma viscosity and thrombocyte hyperaggregability (2). Diabetic foot can be avoided. UBI requires to be applied over a long time (so–called refresher treatment with UBI at 6–8 week intervals) but is delegable, economical, and saves medication. At this time of exploding healthcare costs, it should not be forgotten but should be newly evaluated instead.

DOI: 10.3238/arztebl.2010.0444b

Dr. med. habil. Gerhard Frick

Amtsstr. 11 B

14469 Potsdam, Germany

Conflict of interest statement

The author declares that no conflict of interest exists according to the Guidelines of the International Committee of Medical Journal Editors.

References

1. Frick G, Frick U, Dehmlow R: Praxisleitfaden UVB und HOT. Stuttgart: Hippokrates Verlag 2001.

2. Frick G, Frick U, Wiedenhöft I, Herfurth S, Seidlein I: Einfache Messungen in der Prognostik des Diabetes mellitus. Plasmaviskosität, Blutdruckamplitude und Thrombozytenquotient. Med Organica: Lübeck 1996; 19: 57–61.

3. Kollias AN, Ulbig MW: Diabetic retinopathy: early diagnosis and effective treatment [Diabetische Retinopathie: Frühzeitige Diagnostik und effiziente Therapie]. Dtsch Arztebl Int 2010; 107(5): 75–84.