Diabetic retinopathy is the leading cause of blindness under age 50 and diabetic macular edema (DME) is the leading cause of new blindness in the United States. DME can occur in either Type 1 or Type 2 Diabetes and with any stage of retinopathy. DME is preventable with glucose control and regular dilated eye examinations. Early detection and treatment of diabetic retinopathy can reduce the risk of blindness by 95%.
