Diabetes

Diabetic Retinopathy is the leading cause of blindness in American adults. Diabetes is a disease of small blood vessels. During an eye exam, a doctor is able to visualize these blood vessels and check for signs of leaking, or retinopathy. Often, Diabetic Retinopathy does not have visual symptoms. Not all Diabetic Retinopathy requires treatment but, if it does, there are treatments to stop blood vessels from leaking and help prevent visual impairment. Early diagnosis of diabetic retinopathy and timely treatment reduce the risk of vision loss; however, as many as 50% of patients are not getting their eyes examined or are diagnosed too late for treatment to be effective. Everyone with diabetes should have their eyes examined at least once per year.