Eye and Vision

Diabetic Retinopathy

Diabetes mellitus causes damage to the retina, a condition known as diabetic retinopathy, which is also known as diabetic eye disease. It is the main cause of blindness in developed nations. Up to 80% of people with diabetes who have had the disease for 20 years or longer develop diabetic retinopathy. By treating patients properly and keeping a check on their eyes, at least 90% of new occurrences could be decreased. A person has a greater risk of getting diabetic retinopathy the longer they have diabetes. Diabetic retinopathy causes 12% of all new occurrences of blindness each year in the US. Additionally, it is the main contributor of blindness in adults between the ages of 20 and 64.