It is a serious complication of diabetes that impacts vision.

• Diabetic retinopathy is the leading cause of blindness in Americans under the age of 65.
• Diabetes leads to damage of the small blood vessels in the eye. This damages the retina, which is the film in the back of the eye.
• Diabetic retinopathy can result in vision loss and even blindness if not diagnosed and treated promptly.
• Anyone with diabetes should receive a full dilated eye exam once a year to detect any diabetes-related changes.
• Early detection and prompt treatment can reduce the risk of vision loss.