diabetic retinopathy

 

Diabetic retinopathy is a diabetes complication that affects the eyes. It's caused by damage to the blood vessels of the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye (retina). In some cases, diabetic retinopathy progresses from a mild stage to a more severe one where it can cause vision loss or blindness.

There are two main types of diabetic retinopathy:

Nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR): This is the early stage of diabetic retinopathy. In this stage, small blood vessels in the retina leak blood or fluid, which may cause the retina to swell. Symptoms might not be noticeable at this stage.

Proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR): This is the advanced stage of diabetic retinopathy. At this stage, new blood vessels grow on the surface of the retina. These new blood vessels are fragile and can bleed into the eye, causing vision problems and even blindness if left untreated.

Regular eye exams are crucial for people with diabetes to detect and treat diabetic retinopathy early. Managing diabetes through proper diet, exercise, medication, and regular monitoring of blood sugar levels can also help prevent or slow the progression of diabetic retinopathy. Treatments for advanced stages may include laser surgery or injections of medications into the eye to reduce swelling and prevent the growth of abnormal blood vessels.