Diabetic Retinopathy

Retinal blood vessel damage caused by diabetes

Overview

Diabetic retinopathy is damage to the small blood vessels of the retina caused by chronically elevated blood glucose in diabetes. In the non proliferative stage, weakened capillaries form microaneurysms, leak fluid and lipid, and bleed, while areas of retina lose their blood supply. In the proliferative stage, the ischemic retina releases growth factors such as VEGF that drive the growth of fragile new vessels, which can bleed into the vitreous and form scar tissue that pulls the retina away. Diabetic macular edema, swelling of the central retina from leaking vessels, can blur vision at any stage. The risk rises with the duration of diabetes and with poor control of blood glucose, blood pressure, and lipids. Early disease usually causes no symptoms, which is why many countries run systematic retinal screening programs for people with diabetes. Treatment options include anti VEGF injections, laser photocoagulation, and vitrectomy surgery. It is a leading cause of vision loss among working age adults.