Diabetic Retinopathy is a silent threat to vision.
Diabetes can lead to diabetic retinopathy, a dangerous condition that silently damages the eyes and severely compromises vision.Over time, these blood vessels might bulge, leak fluid, or even collapse completely, impairing the retina's ability to capture and interpret visual information.
The illness advances in stages, starting with non-proliferative retinopathy, which causes minor abnormalities such as microaneurysms and retinal oedema. Without treatment, it can progress to proliferative diabetic retinopathy, which is defined by the formation of aberrant new blood vessels that are prone to bleeding. This stage carries a high chance of severe vision loss or blindness.
Symptoms may include impaired vision, dark patches, or fluctuating vision, but early stages frequently exhibit no visible evidence. Regular eye examinations are essential for timely detection. Laser therapy, anti-VEGF injections, and surgery can all help to reduce or stop progression, but they cannot restore eyesight.