Diabetic retinopathy is the most common diabetic eye disease and a leading cause of blindness in American adults caused by changes in the blood vessels of the retina. It is estimated that:
All people with diabetes--both type 1 and type 2--are at risk. Since there is effective treatment if retinopathy is diagnosed promptly, diabetics should get a comprehensive dilated eye exam at least once a year.
New Treatments are here now - Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is elevated when the retina becomes ischemic and neovascularization occurs. A new therapy is available that lowers or blocks the effects of VEGF.
