Diabetic retinopathy is a complication where high blood sugar levels, over time, damage the tiny blood vessels that nourish your retina—the light-sensitive layer at the back of your eye. These damaged vessels can leak fluid or blood (like a tiny hose springing a leak) and, in advanced stages, start growing abnormally. These new vessels are fragile and can cause serious scarring.
Diabetic retinopathy is a complication where high blood sugar levels, over time, damage the tiny blood vessels that nourish your retina—the light-sensitive layer at the back of your eye. These damaged vessels can leak fluid or blood (like a tiny hose springing a leak) and, in advanced stages, start growing abnormally. These new vessels are fragile and can cause serious scarring.
Symptoms
In the early stages, you may notice nothing at all, which is why regular check-ups are crucial. As it progresses, you might see: Blurry or wavy vision. Dark spots or "floaters" that seem to drift. Difficulty seeing colors vividly. Sudden vision loss in severe cases. Main Risk Factors: Having diabetes (especially if poorly controlled) for many years, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and smoking.
Diagnosis
The key test is a painless, dilated eye exam. Your doctor will use eye drops to widen your pupils and look inside your eye with a special light. They may also take photographs of your retina or use an OCT scan to look for swelling in the macula. Sometimes, a fluorescein angiography test is done, where a special dye is injected into your arm to highlight the blood vessels in pictures.
Treatments
Managing your diabetes is the most important treatment. For the eye itself, treatments are very effective: Injections: Medicine (anti-VEGF) is injected into the eye to reduce swelling and stop abnormal blood vessel growth. Laser Treatment: A focused laser is used to seal leaking vessels or slow abnormal growth. (PRP laser) Surgery: An operation called a vitrectomy may be needed in advanced cases to remove blood and scar tissue.