The challenge of preventing vision loss from diabetic retinopathy.

Diabetes is present in 7% of Missourians. Another 52% are at risk. Periodic eye examinations are key to averting vision loss from diabetic retinopathy. Signs of diabetic retinopathy are evident long before vision loss and include microaneurysms, retinal hemorrhage, microvascular and venous caliber abnormalities and neovascularization. Loss of vascular integrity can lead to retinal edema and neovascular growth. Laser ablation of the peripheral retina can curb neovascular growth. It can also help stabilize macular edema.