Some 40,000 patients per year are estimated to develop proliferative retinopathy with high risk characteristics, and 95,000 per year are estimated to develop macular edema. Clinical trials published more than a decade ago proved that photocoagulation significantly reduces the risk of blindness. Sadly, less than half of all patients with diabetes report having seen an ophthalmologist or having had a dilated eye examination within the preceding year. Diabetic retinopathy is a highly specific vascular complication of both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. The prevalence of retinopathy is strongly related to the duration of diabetes.
Diabetic retinopathy poses a serious threat to vision.
Overall, diabetic retinopathy is estimated to be the most frequent cause of new cases of blindness among adults aged 20-74 years. Pregnancy, puberty, and cataract surgery can accelerate these changes. No medications have been identified that help. A comprehensive program to reduce diabetes-related blindness should include screening and treatment of retinopathy, and diabetes treatment with the goal of normal glycemia.