Diabetic retinopathy: newer therapies to prevent blindness.

Diabetic retinopathy is a common cause of blindness in the adult population in the United States. Ophthalmologists now have laser and surgical treatment modalities available that can significantly decrease the risk of blindness in the diabetic population. The American Academy of Ophthalmology, through its Diabetes 2000 program, is making a national effort to educate all physicians who care for diabetic patients to recognize the problem and to be aware of the therapies available to prevent blindness.