Can children get diabetic retinopathy? i think that diabetic retinopathy usually only happens after you've had diabetes for years, but my son has had it since he was 5. he's 15 now, so is he at higher risk?

Yes, : Yes, they can. Fortunately, it turns out that earlier onset of type 1 diabetes is associated with a lower risk of retinopathy even after years of the disease as compared to children with onset of diabetes after puberty. But the longer anyone has diabetes and the worse the glucose control the higher the risk. But it would be distinctly uncommon for him to have retinopathy at this age however. The challenge is for him to take charge of his diabetes since as a parent, especially at this age, one can only do so much. Jdrf may be of help in your area.

As : As more time goes by, it is more likely that d.R. Will show up. Tight sugar control is the best way to prevent this!

Usually : Usually it takes over 10 years of diabetes before signs of retinopathy occur. Since your son has had diabetes for about 10 years, his risk is higher than when he first was diagnosed with diabetes. I would make sure he has a dilated eye exam every year to screen for any retinopathy.