US Diabetic Retinopathy Prevalence

It is well documented that the prevalence of diabetes in the United States has increased. People with diabetes are at risk for diabetic retinopathy and until recently no recent national population-based estimate of the prevalence and severity of diabetic retinopathy existed. By using an analysis of a cross-sectional, nationally representative sample of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) researchers were able to describe the prevalence and risk factors of diabetic retinopathy among US adults with diabetes aged 40 years and older.

They found that the estimated prevalence of diabetic retinopathy and vision-threatening diabetic retinopathy was 28.5% and 4.4% among US adults with diabetes, respectively. Diabetic retinopathy was slightly more prevalent among men than women with diabetes. Non-Hispanic black individuals had a higher crude prevalence than non-Hispanic white individuals of diabetic retinopathy. Male sex was independently associated with the presence of diabetic retinopathy as well as higher hemoglobin A_1C level, longer duration of diabetes, insulin use, and higher systolic blood pressure.

The authors concluded that in a nationally representative sample of US adults with diabetes aged 40 years and older, the prevalence of diabetic retinopathy and vision-threatening diabetic retinopathy was high, especially among Non-Hispanic black individuals.

Early diagnosis and treatment of diabetic retinopathy can help preserve eye health and vision. Diabetics should have regular eye examinations as they have greater risk for developing a cataract as well as for developing glaucoma.