Diabetic Retinopathy

Diabetic retinopathy is a condition that affects the eyes and is a potential complication of diabetes. Imagine your eyes as the windows to the world, allowing you to see and experience the beauty around you. Now, picture the back of your eye, which has a light-sensitive tissue called the retina. Light rays fall through the window onto the retina, which focuses the light rays to give you clear and crisp vision. In diabetic retinopathy, high levels of blood sugar over time can lead to damage in the small blood vessels of the retina. These damaged blood vessels can cause various problems, ultimately impacting your vision.

As diabetic retinopathy progresses, it can lead to two main stages: non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR) and proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR). In the early stages (NPDR), the blood vessels may weaken and leak fluid into the retina, causing swelling and blurred vision. If left untreated, it can advance to PDR, where new abnormal blood vessels grow on the retina’s surface. These fragile vessels can break easily, causing bleeding into the eye, leading to severe vision problems, including blindness.

Regular eye check-ups are crucial for individuals with diabetes to detect diabetic retinopathy early. Managing blood sugar levels, blood pressure, and cholesterol effectively can significantly reduce the risk of developing this condition. Early intervention and proper medical care can also help slow down or prevent further progression, preserving your eyesight and overall eye health.