Diabetic retinopathy
Diabetic retinopathy (also known as diabetic eye disease), is a medical condition in which damage occurs to the retina due to diabetes. It is a leading cause of blindness in developed countries.
| Diabetic retinopathy | |
|---|---|
| Other names | Diabetic eye disease |
| Fundus image, showing several common signs of diabetic retinopathy | |
| Pronunciation |
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| Specialty | Ophthalmology, optometry |
| Symptoms | Often asymptomatic, but can cause spots in the eye and vision loss. |
| Complications | Vitreous hemorrhage, Retinal detachment, Glaucoma, Blindness |
| Duration | Lifelong |
| Causes | Long-term poor control of diabetes mellitus |
| Risk factors | Diabetes, poor control of blood sugar, smoking, inflammation |
| Diagnostic method | Eye examination |
| Treatment | Laser coagulation, Vitrectomy |
| Medication | Anti-VEGF Injection |
| Frequency | Nearly all patients with type 1 diabetes and >60% of patients with type 2 diabetes |
Diabetic retinopathy affects up to 80 percent of those who have had both type 1 and type 2 diabetes for 20 years or more. In at least 90% of new cases, progression to more aggressive forms of sight threatening retinopathy and maculopathy could be reduced with proper treatment and monitoring of the eyes. The longer a person has diabetes, the higher his or her chances of developing diabetic retinopathy. Each year in the United States, diabetic retinopathy accounts for 12% of all new cases of blindness. It is also the leading cause of blindness in people aged 20 to 64.