Diabetic Retinopathy
Diabetic retinopathy, or diabetic eye disease, refers to a group of eye problems that people with diabetes may face as a complication of diabetes. All can cause severe vision loss or even blindness. It is caused by changes in the blood vessels of the retina.
Who Is at Risk for Diabetic Retinopathy?
- All people with diabetes–both type 1 and type 2–are at risk.
- Pregnant women with diabetes have a high risk
Diabetic Retinopathy Fast Facts
It is estimated that 5.3 million Americans age 18 and older are affected by diabetic retinopathy. Approximately 74 percent of people who have diabetes for 10 years or more will develop some form of diabetic retinopathy. Diabetic retinopathy is the leading cause of vision loss in adults of working age (20 to 65 years) in industrialized countries.
