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Diabetic retinopathy is a microangiopathy affecting the retinal precapillary arterioles, the capillaries and the venules. It is characterised by microvascular occlusion and leakage and is categorised into the following: non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR), proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) or diabetic macular oedema (DMO). Diabetic retinopathy is the leading cause of blindness in adults under 65 (Reference 11.) Around 25% of people with type 1 diabetes mellitus will have some degree of diabetic retinopathy five years after their symptoms first develop (Reference 11.) In type 2 diabetes mellitus, 25% of people who do not require insulin will have some degree of diabetic retinopathy five years after the onset of symptoms. The figure is about 40% for people who require insulin (Reference 11.) In general, the risk of developing diabetic retinopathy is greater the longer the history of diabetes. Good diabetic control slows the development of retinopathy. See our Prevention section for information about preventing diabetes-related eye damage.
Last updated: 10 October 2012
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