I am type 1 (not type 2) and I am saddened by some of the posts. The initial question raised two points:
- injecting insulin within 7 years
- risk of diabetic retinopathy.
Whilst your main question is about retinopathy, I want to address the first point as well: with type 1 diabetes, I have never had any option but to inject insulin. And, given it keeps me alive, I do not find it frightening at all. Frustrating, yes, but probably not any more than having to pop pills when I eat (which I don't have to do so this is only my gut feel).
As for your second point - I have had diabetes for 12 years and, over that time, maintained my blood sugars well. Unfortunately, I have some mild retinopathy. It's there but it does not affect me and I have been advised (by multiple consultants) that it does not require any treatment and can very likely remain at this level for the rest of my life. So, based on my very small sample of one, I would suggest that the article you have read is scary - anything to do with the eyes (or heart or ...) is frightening but just because you have a condition of the eyes, does not mean you are going to lose your eye sight.
As many others have said, be positive, manage your diabetes and, whilst not ignoring the possibility of complications, don't focus on them.