An estimated 352,000 Americans under the age of 20 have diagnosed diabetes. While diabetic retinopathy has historically been relatively rare in young people, an alarming increase in prevalence among young adults could transform into a “public health catastrophe,” according to a recent editorial in JAMA Ophthalmology.

JAMA editors were reacting to data from two separate studies that found that 49%-55% of people under the age of 20 with youth-onset type 2 diabetes also had diabetic retinopathy. The study further found that after 12-13 years of having diabetes, at least half of people had some degree of retinopathy.

With the rate of diabetic retinopathy in young people being so much higher than previously believed, health professionals are calling for more awareness, proactive screening and intervention.

What is Diabetic Retinopathy?

Diabetic retinopathy is a condition that develops when the tiny nerves and blood vessels in your retina are damaged by high blood sugar. Anyone with diabetes, whether type 1 or type 2, is susceptible to the condition.

Diabetic retinopathy symptoms often include:

• Blurred vision
• Spots or dark strings floating in your vision
• Vision loss
• Fluctuating vision
• Dark or empty areas in your vision
• Left untreated, the condition can lead to permanent vision loss

Diabetic Retinopathy Treatment

Treatment of diabetic retinopathy may involve injections of anti-VEGF drugs, laser treatment or eye surgery. Surgery is generally reserved for cases where there’s significant bleeding in the retina or extensive scarring in the eye.

Importance of Comprehensive Vision Exams

The prevention of diabetic retinopathy starts with effective management of diabetes. It is equally important that people with diabetes get regular comprehensive eye exams to monitor for the condition, so it can be diagnosed and treated early on.

If your ophthalmologist believes you may have severe diabetic retinopathy, they may perform a fluorescein angiogram to produce images of the blood vessels in your retina and inform treatment options.

If you or someone you love has diabetes, regardless of age, be sure to get regular comprehensive eye exams. Schedule yours today by contacting North Florida Cataract Specialists and Vision Care at 352-373-4300.