All you need to know about: diabetic retinopathy

Diabetic retinopathy is an eye disease caused by diabetes and is the leading cause of vision loss in working-age adults. When high blood sugar levels damage blood vessels in the retina, the condition can progress through two stages. The early stage, non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy, sees weakened and swollen blood vessels that may leak blood and fluid into the retina, leading to macular edema and vision loss.

The second stage, proliferative diabetic retinopathy, involves the growth of new, fragile blood vessels that can bleed and cause scar tissue, potentially detaching the retina. Symptoms may include floaters, blurred vision, faded colors, dark or empty areas in vision, and loss of vision. Risk factors include long-term diabetes, poor blood glucose control, hypertension, high cholesterol, smoking, and other health conditions like heart disease and chronic kidney disease.

Diagnosis involves an eye examination using dilated pupils, optical coherence tomography, and fluorescein angiography. Treatment depends on severity and may include medication, laser surgery, or vitrectomy. Good blood sugar control, blood pressure management, and regular eye check-ups are crucial in preventing and slowing diabetic retinopathy.