Epidemiology and Risk Factors in Diabetic Retinopathy and Diabetic Macular Edema

With the increased prevalence of diabetes mellitus, prolonged life-span and the use of insulin and oral antidiabetics, diabetic retinopathy has become one of the leading causes of loss of vision in many countries. By 2013, the number of diabetic patients in the world is 382 million, but it is predicted that this number will reach 592 million in 2035 by an increase of 55%. The risk factors which are related with diabetic retinopathy are diabetes duration, hyperglycemia, hypertension, lipid metabolism disorders, genetic factors, puberty and pregnancy. In diabetic cases, the risk of vision loss can be significantly reduced with the control of modifiable risk factors, regular eye examinations and timely treatment practices.