It is a chronic, progressive disease of the retinal vessels associated with elevated blood sugar levels. It is the most common cause of blindness in the fourth to fifth decade of life across Europe.

Risk factors include arterial hypertension, smoking, hyperlipidemia, genetic predisposition, duration of diabetes, and levels of glycosylated hemoglobin in the blood (HbA1c).

Treatment is individualized depending on the stage of the disease and severity.