Eye Damage from Diabetes Remains the Leading Cause of Blindness in Adults

Eye Damage from Diabetes Remains the Leading Cause of Blindness in Adults: Nearly 60% of all diabetes patients can expect to develop diabetic retinopathy within ten years of their diagnosis. Despite major progress in diagnosis and treatment, diabetic retinopathy remains the major cause of blindness in adults under 60 in the U.S.. Diabetic retinopathy affects 5.3 million adults in the U.S. and some 24,000 of them go blind each year. With timely laser surgery and proper follow-up care, people with diabetic retinopathy can reduce their risk of blindness by 90%. Retina Institute in The Vision Center at Childrens Hospital Los Angeles