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Reducing Risk of Diabetic Retinopathy
Risk Factors
All people with diabetes are at risk for diabetic retinopathy -- those with type I diabetes (juvenile onset) and those with type II diabetes (adult onset). Diabetic retinopathy affects half of all Americans diagnosed with diabetes.
During pregnancy, diabetic retinopathy may also be a problem for women with diabetes. It is recommended that all pregnant women with diabetes have dilated eye examinations each trimester to protect their vision.
What You Can Do to Reduce Risk
The National Eye Institute urges all people with diabetes to have an eye examination through dilated pupils at least once a year, more often if you have more serious retinopathy.
A recent study, the Diabetes Control and Complications Trial (DCCT), showed that better control of blood sugar levels slows the onset and progression of retinopathy and lessens the need for laser surgery for severe retinopathy.
The study found that the group that tried to keep their blood sugar levels as close to normal as possible, had much less eye, kidney, and nerve disease. This level of blood sugar control may not be best for everyone, including some elderly patients, children under 13, or people with heart disease, so ask your doctor if this program is right for you.