Chapter 1 – Epidemiology and Natural History of Diabetic Retinopathy

Diabetic retinopathy is the leading cause of vision loss among working-aged individuals in the United States and a major cause of blindness in this age group worldwide. The incidence and prevalence of diabetes mellitus is growing, leading to an increased prevalence of diabetic retinopathy with its associated complications. In this chapter, the classification, pathogenesis, and epidemiology of diabetes mellitus are outlined. Landmark population studies have identified multiple risk factors for increased severity of retinopathy, including longer duration of diabetes and poor blood pressure and glycemic control. The risk of developing proliferative diabetic retinopathy and diabetic macular edema is discussed through these studies. Different treatment modalities for proliferative diabetic retinopathy and diabetic macular edema leading to the current paradigm shift are reviewed.

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