Diabetic retinopathy is a type diabetic eye disease where there is damage to the retina of the eye. This condition occurs in those with diabetes. In America, this condition is the number one cause of blindness in adults. Diabetic retinopathy is caused by problems with the blood vessels in the eye. It is important for those with diabetes to get regular checkups to help prevent this and other diabetic eye diseases.
There are four different stages of diabetic retinopathy based on the severity of the problem. Mild non-proliferative retinopathy is the earliest stage and usually starts with blurred vision. It is important to catch the problem in this stage as to prevent the condition reaching moderate and severe retinopathy which is caused by further blockage thus causing further blindness. Proliferative retinopathy is the final stage of diabetic retinopathy and occurs when problems in the retina trigger the re-growth of blood vessels. These new vessels are very delicate and if they leak blood blindness will follow.
Blindness, blurred vision, and missing areas of vision are all symptoms of diabetic retinopathy. If any of these symptoms occur, it is important to see a doctor before the condition worsens. |