How many people in the United States suffer from Diabetic Retinopathy?

Question by The King: How many people in the United States suffer from Diabetic Retinopathy?

Best answer:

Answer by lindsey_osborne
Diabetic retinopathy refers to abnormalities in the small blood vessels of the retina caused by diabetes. There are different types of retinopathy:
– Non-proliferative retinopathy is the most common and usually doesn’t affect vision.
– Proliferative retinopathy is more serious and causes bleeding within the eye and swelling of the retina due to new blood vessels growing / branching out. This can lead to blindness.

Nearly all patients with Type 1 diabetes will develop some form of retinopathy after 20 years of being diagnosed. Up to 21% of Type 2 diabetics have retinopathy when diagnosed and will likely develop some degree after diagnosis. In the US, diabetes is responsible for 8% of all cases of legal blindness. Each year 15000 to 39000 people lose their sight due to diabetic complications.

All these are reasons to be sure to have a dilated eye exam at least once a year if you have diabetes. These complications, including retinopathy, can be prevented if proper precautionary measures are taken. Talk to your doctor / eye care professional for more information on diabetic retinopathy.

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