Diabetic retinopathy is the leading cause of blindness in the United States among the working age population. Diabetes affects the small blood vessels in the retina. This damage can lead to swelling of the retina (macular edema) or the growth of new blood vessels into the gel (proliferative diabetic retinopathy). Dr. Andrew Pearson is one of the lead investigators in trials being conducted around the world evaluating an implantable drug delivery system for use in diabetic retinopathy. These trials are being conducted by Alimera Sciences and pSivida Inc. For more information contact Michele Reg at (859) 323-5868.