Despite the considerable progress in prevention and treatement options since the first big epidemiologic studies in the 80's, diabetic retinopathy still represents the primary cause of blindness in the working age population. The intensified prevention efforts that took place recentyears did show hopeful results as the incidence of diabetic retinopathy seems to decline. However a still considerable number of patients does not meet metabolic or treatment recommandations. In the aftermath of an ongoing globalisation and growing urbanisation of the society, there is an even bigger need of understanding the disease as well as improving prevention and treatment guidelines.