Main Menu Age Related Macular Degeneration Cataract Glaucoma Refractive Error Vision Impairment and Blindness Eye Diagram Glossary   Our Other Sites Bookstore Directory Other Resources Vision Health Resources Vision Loss and Blindness Resources Search All Sites Site Map Diabetic Retinopathy Diabetic retinopathy is a common complication of diabetes. It affects the tiny blood vessels of the retina. Retinal blood vessels can break down, leak, or become blocked -- affecting and impairing vision over time. In some people with diabetic retinopathy, serious damage to the eye can occur when abnormal new blood vessels grow on the surface of the retina. Diabetic retinopathy can affect almost anyone with diabetes. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimate that 10.3 million Americans have diagnosed diabetes, while an additional 5.4 million have diabetes that has not been diagnosed. In general, the longer someone has diabetes, the greater the risk of developing diabetic retinopathy. Eventually, almost everyone with juvenile-onset diabetes will develop some signs of diabetic retinopathy. Those who acquire diabetes later in life are also at risk of diabetic retinopathy, although they are somewhat less likely to develop advanced diabetic retinopathy. Diabetes also increases the risk of other eye diseases such as cataract and glaucoma. Because of its dangers to good vision, people with diabetes are urged to seek annual dilated eye exams. Research suggests that the risk of diabetic retinopathy can be reduced through careful control of blood sugar. People with diabetes are also encouraged to control their blood pressure. Laser treatment, called photocoagulation, has been shown to reduce the risk of sight loss in advanced cases of diabetic retinopathy. Focal photocoagulation can be used to destroy leaking blood vessels. Scatter photocoagulation, where a large number of spots are destroyed by the laser, is used to control the growth of abnormal blood vessels. In some cases vitrectomy, a surgical procedure to remove clouded fluid and gel from inside the eye, can help. The prevalence estimates for cases of diabetic retinopathy include those with mild or worse retinopathy (grade 14 or higher based on fundus photographs), including definite non-proliferative retinopathy (e.g., microaneurysms, blot hemorrhages), macular edema, or proliferative changes. Because diabetes includes a form with juvenile onset, the information below reflects the prevalence of diabetic retinopathy in Americans age 18 and older. Approximately 209 million Americans are in this age group. Diabetic retinopathy affects over 5.3 million Americans age 18 and older, or just over 2.5% of this population. Prior to age 40, diabetic retinopathy affects Whites more frequently than other races. In later decades, Hispanics are the most commonly affected by the disease. Due to a lack of information about diabetic retinopathy in other races, the prevalence estimates for "other" races are the arithmetic average of those for Whites, Blacks and Hispanics. Available tables: Estimated Number of Cases of Diabetic Retinopathy in the U.S. Population Aged 18 and over by State, Race and Sex Prevalence Rates for Diabetic Retinopathy by State, Race and Sex National age-specific prevalence rates for diabetic retinopathy U.S. Census 2000 Population aged 18 and over by Race and Sex The tables are located on the following page: Estimated number of cases of diabetic retinopathy Notes: The page opens in a new window. There are 4 tabs located in the bottom left corner that select the different tables. All brands and product names are trademarked or registered trademarks of their respective companies. Copyright of syndicated content belongs to it’s respective author or news organization. Original content (including "look and feel") Copyright © 2001-2006  •  Vision Loss and Blindness Resources  •  All rights reserved.