Everyone with diabetes - Type 1 and Type 2 - is susceptible to diabetic retinopathy.

It is estimated that nearly half of those with diabetes will develop some level of diabetic retinopathy in their lifetime.

Everyone with diabetes - Type 1 and Type 2 - is susceptible to diabetic retinopathy.

It is estimated that nearly half of those with diabetes will develop some level of diabetic retinopathy in their lifetime.

Ocular hypertension is detected through a compreshensive eye exam that includes a tonometer test.

For that reason, diagnosis is critical.

The tonometer uses a painless "puff" of air to read internal eye pressure. It can help spot early signs of ocular hypertension.

While not everyone with ocular hypertension will develop glaucoma, ocular hypertension is an added risk factor for glaucoma.

While there is no cure for disbetic retinopathy and lost vision cannot be restored, there are treatments to protect you against further vision loss.

If the problem is caught before the retina is severely damaged, laser surgery can shrink the abnormal vessels. In addition, vitrectomy may be appropriate in certain situations where the vitreous has become cloudy.

Both of these procedures can be successful; however, the best defense against diabetic retinopathy is early detection through regular eye examinations.