Retinopathy Risks

Risk factors for retinopathy

• Having diabetes both type 1 and type 2 is a major risk factor for developing retinopathy and macular edema.
• The longer a person has diabetes, the greater the chance of retinopathy.
• Poor blood sugar control is one of the main causes of diabetic retinopathy.
• Smoking may indirectly contribute and increase risk for diabetic retinopathy.
• Hypertension increases the risk of retinopathy.
• Pregnancy seems to increases the risk of developing retinopathy. Women who already have retinopathy when they become pregnant, the condition becomes worse during pregnancy.
• Nearly half of all people with diabetes will develop some degree of diabetic retinopathy during their lifetime.
• Studies suggest that having a high cholesterol level increases the risk of retinopathy. But it is not known whether reducing high cholesterol levels limits the progression of retinopathy.
• Type 2 diabetes and user of the medicine rosiglitazone (Avandia, Avandamet, Avandaryl) to treat their diabetes may have a higher risk for problems with the center of the retina (the macula).