Why do people still go blind from diabetic maculopathy and retinopathy, when there are good treatments available?

Many patients do not get regular dilated eye exams and as a result their diabetes worsens. There are excellent treatments for diabetic eye disease today but all treatments start with regular eye exams. Do not think that getting a glasses exam is a replacement for a complete dilated exam.

Biological variations and genetic susceptibility often predetermines diabetics to have poor outcomes, but others with diabetes may not be diligent or compulsive with blood sugar control.

Diabetes is still the leading cause of blindness in the US. However with proper glucose control and appropriate use of anti-VEGF medications (and occasionally laser photo coagulation and vitrectomy surgery) for macular edema, vitreous hemorrhage and retinal detachment the overwhelming number of patients should be able to maintain good vision their entire lives.