Diabetic Retinopathy and
Diabetic Macular Edema

People from racially and ethnically underserved communities are 2–3 times more likely to develop diabetes-related eye disease.

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) and diabetic macular edema (DME) are leading causes of vision loss in the United States and the most common diabetes-related eye conditions. Individuals in these communities are more likely to develop diabetes and experience more severe complications, including eye disease, compared with the general population.

Despite their higher risk, people from underserved communities are less likely to receive regular screenings for DR and DME. Early detection and timely treatment are crucial for preserving vision.

You can reduce your risk by actively managing your diabetes and scheduling a comprehensive diabetic eye exam at least once a year.

By sharing your health care journey, you can inspire others in your community to get screened, share your story to help prevent vision loss and improve healthcare outcomes.

Hispanic American Community

According to a recent study, nearly 50% of all adult Hispanic Americans with diabetes have some type of diabetic retinopathy (DR), a progressive disease affecting vision.

The study also found that the longer someone had diabetes the greater likelihood of them getting DR, which is a leading cause of blindness among working-age Americans.

Those that have diabetes for 15 years or more were more than three times more likely to have DR and 23 times more likely to have severe DR, than those newly diagnosed.

Hispanic Americans have a higher rate of more severe vision-threatening DR compared to the general population.

That is why it is so important to ensure you are getting regular eye screenings if you have been diagnosed with diabetes, type 1 or 2.

African American Community

While 37.3 million Americans has diabetes, research shows that diabetes impacts African Americans at a higher rate. African American adults are 60% more likely to be diagnosed with diabetes in the US compared to the general population.

African Americans are also at a higher risk for diabetic macular edema (DME), an eye-related complication of diabetes.

In fact, research shows that African Americans have the highest rates of DME, even though Hispanic American have the highest rates of diabetes.

The research points to social determinants of health, the factors in our environment, like where we were born, live and work, that are responsible for this increased risk. These structural inequities block access to and use of health care for People of Color.

That is why it is so important to ensure you are getting regular eye screenings if you have been diagnosed with diabetes, type 1 or 2.

The importance of regular diabetes-related eye examinations

Diabetes-related eye examinations can see how your diabetes is affecting your vision and eye health. It can help diagnose DR and DME. Screening and early treatment can often stop or reverse the level of DR and protect eyesight.

Early detection of DR is critical in preventing visual loss.

But not all eye exams are the same. A diabetic eye exam will include the following:

Vision testing: to check your vision with an eye chart
Pupil dilation: your pupils will be dilated with eye drops so the doctor can get a much better view of the back of your eye (fundus)
Fundoscopy: an examination of the back of the eyeball (fundus) where the retina, the blood vessels that feed the retina and the optic nerve are located
Fundus photography: in addition to fundoscopy, your eye doctor may take a wide-angle, high-resolution photograph of the back of your eye. The advantage is that it creates a permanent record of the appearance of your retina and retinal blood vessels which can be used as a comparison during future screening tests.
Glaucoma testing

A diabetic eye exam will focus on any possible eye health problems that can be caused by diabetes, including:

Diabetic retinopathy (DR)
Diabetic macular edema (DME)
Cataracts
Glaucoma

Diabetic retinopathy (DR), a leading cause of blindness among American adults, occurs when blood vessels inside the eye start to leak. Left untreated, the leakages worsen over time and lead to varying levels of blindness. Early detection and treatment can often save part or all your eyesight.

Diabetic macular edema (DME) is a swelling of the macula, located in the back of the eye. It’s responsible for central vision and seeing color. When a patient with diabetic retinopathy experiences blurry vision, DME is often the cause.

How often should I get a diabetic eye exam?

According to the American Diabetes Association (ADA), people with diabetes should follow strict precautions to ensure ongoing eye health:

Adults with Type 1 diabetes should schedule an eye exam within five years of their diagnosis and every year after
Adults with Type 2 diabetes should schedule an exam as soon after their diagnosis as possible and every year after
Women with diabetes who are planning to get pregnant should consult with their eye doctor beforehand. An eye exam should also be scheduled within the first three months of pregnancy. Another exam should be scheduled a year after giving birth

What if you have been diagnosed with diabetic retinopathy or diabetic macula edema?

First, don’t lose hope. There are many FDA-approved treatment options, but you must act. Work with your doctor and consult with a Retinal Specialist. A Retinal Specialist, is an eye doctor that specializes in treating diseases of the retina and can use special equipment to examine the retina and the blood vessels that surround it.

Have you considered joining a clinical trial?
If you are interested in joining a clinical trial or if you want to learn more—Let’s, get connected. We can help you identify a clinical trial that is the best fit for you.

Interested in sharing your story?
We want to hear from you. We must raise our voices to ensure that health care works for all of us. If you are selected, you will be paid for your time.but you must act

Connect with a patient advocate

Anita

The information on this site is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. It is not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your physician or qualified healthcare provider with questions about your medical condition. In a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately. CHMConnect does not endorse any specific tests, physicians, products, procedures, or opinions on this site. Use of this information is at your own risk. - © 2026 CHMConnect™. All rights reserved.

Diabetic Retinopathy and Diabetic Macular Edema