1. DRD prevalence and incidence has doubled among U.S. patients with diabetes mellitus in the last 20 years.
2. However, incidence rates of vision-threatening DRD have improved dramatically.
3. Expanded health insurance access and increased screening may have influenced rising prevalence, while improved diabetes management and earlier detection may have led to decreased incidence of sight-threatening complications.
4. Study researchers also noted the significance of changes in diagnostic criteria and coding practices over time, which may have influenced their findings.
5. They acknowledged potential underestimation of true disease burden due to limitations such as underrepresentation of racial/ethnic minorities and uninsured patients.

Source: Ophthalmology