Evaluating How the Treatments in the Action to Control Cardiovascular Risk in Diabetes (ACCORD) Study Affect Diabetic Retinopathy (The ACCORD Eye Study)

DR is the most common diabetic eye disease and is the leading cause of blindness in adults in
the United States. It is caused by damage to the blood vessels of the retina, which is the
light-sensitive outer layer of the eye. Retinal blood vessels are often affected by the high
blood sugar levels associated with diabetes. Older people have an increased risk of
developing DR; however, DR is likely to occur earlier and be more severe in anyone who has
poorly controlled diabetes. Almost everyone who has had diabetes for more than 30 years will
eventually show signs of DR. Symptoms of DR include poor night vision, seeing spots in front
of the eyes, blurred vision, and blindness. The ACCORD study is a study that is examining the
effects of different treatments on cardiovascular disease in people with diabetes.
Participants in the ACCORD study will receive one of eight different combinations of
treatment, including blood sugar control, blood pressure control, and cholesterol-controlling
medication. This study will enroll participants in the ACCORD study and will examine the
effects of the study treatments on DR. The results from this study may be used to develop new
treatments to help prevent diabetes-related blindness.

Study visits will occur at baseline and Year 4. At each study visit, participants will have
an eye exam and specialized fundus photographs taken of the back of the eye and retina.

Inclusion Criteria:

- Participating in the ACCORD study

Exclusion Criteria:

- Has had laser photocoagulation for DR

- Has had vitrectomy surgery for DR