Diabetic retinopathy is the leading cause of new blindness in the United States among adults ages 20 to 74, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Anyone who has diabetes is at risk for developing diabetic retinopathy.

People with diabetes are 25 times more likely to suffer blindness than the rest of the population. They are also 1.3 times more likely to have glaucoma and 1.6 times more likely to have cataracts than those in the general population, according to the CDC.

By far the most important preventative measure on the part of patients is to schedule regular examinations with an eye physician (ophthalmologist). The ophthalmologist is a medical doctor who specializes in eye conditions and is the only physician who can detect, diagnose and treat diabetic retinopathy.

When patients are first diagnosed with diabetes, they should have their eyes checked by an ophthalmologist:

• Within five years of the diagnosis if they have type 1 diabetes, or have type 2 diabetes and are 29 years of age or younger.
  
  
• At the time of the diagnosis if they are 30 or older, and have type 2 diabetes.

Diabetes patients should schedule such an exam at least once every year. A physician may advise more frequent examinations for individuals at higher risk of eye diseases.

Patients should also have their eyes checked if they have visual changes that:

• Affect only one eye
• Continue more than a few days
• Are not associated with changes in glucose (blood sugar)

Studies have also shown that maintaining a normal glucose level can significantly reduce the risk of developing diabetic retinopathy, or slow the progression of the disease once it has appeared. Intensive insulin therapy is among the treatments that may be prescribed by an individual’s physician to achieve this goal.

Other lifestyle modifications that can help slow the progression of diabetic retinopathy include:

• Controlling high blood pressure. Lowering blood pressure appears to substantially hinder development of retinopathy.
  
  
• Exercise. Regular exercise helps to lower blood pressure and moderate glucose levels because the muscles use glucose for energy. Patients are advised to consult their physician before beginning an exercise program.
  
  
• Losing excess weight. A recent international review of more than 20 research studies on thousands of patients found obesity to be a major risk factor for diabetic retinopathy and other leading causes of blindness: glaucoma, cataracts and macular degeneration.
  
  
• Quitting smoking. Smoking causes blood vessels to close.
  
  
• Controlling cholesterol and triglycerides. Recent research involving data from the Diabetes Control and Complications Trial linked abnormal levels of blood fats (lipids) to risk of diabetic retinopathy.
  
  
• Lowering stress. Stress hormones are known to cause blood sugar levels to rise or fall. Stress also raises blood pressure.

Pregnant women are at increased risk of developing diabetic retinopathy. Diabetic women who are pregnant or who plan to become pregnant within the next year should see an ophthalmologist. They should be tested for the disorder prior to becoming pregnant, as dilating drops should not be used during pregnancy.