Diabetic Retinopathy: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment

Diabetic Retinopathy is a diabetes-related eye disease that affects the blood vessels of the retina, the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye. High blood sugar levels can damage these blood vessels, causing them to leak, swell, or become blocked, which may lead to blurred vision and, if left untreated, permanent vision loss.

In the early stages, diabetic retinopathy may not cause noticeable symptoms. As the condition progresses, patients may experience blurred vision, floaters, dark spots, fluctuating vision, difficulty seeing at night, or sudden vision loss. Regular comprehensive eye examinations are essential for early detection, especially for people with diabetes.

Treatment depends on the severity of the condition and may include strict blood sugar control, laser therapy, intravitreal injections, or vitreo-retinal surgery. Early diagnosis and timely treatment can significantly reduce the risk of vision loss and help preserve healthy eyesight.