Diabetic retinopathy is a diabetes complication that affects the eyes. It's caused by damage to the blood vessels of the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye (retina). Here's a detailed look at diabetic retinopathy:

Causes

Diabetic retinopathy is a result of high blood sugar levels causing damage to the blood vessels in the retina. These vessels can swell and leak, or they can close, stopping blood from passing through. Sometimes, new blood vessels grow on the retina. These new vessels can be weak and bleed, clouding vision.

Stages

1. Mild Nonproliferative Retinopathy: Small areas, called microaneurysms, occur in the retina's blood vessels, which may leak fluid into the retina.
2. Moderate Nonproliferative Retinopathy: As the disease progresses, blood vessels that nourish the retina may swell and distort. They may also lose their ability to transport blood.
3. Severe Nonproliferative Retinopathy: More blood vessels become blocked, depriving several areas of the retina of their blood supply. This prompts the retina to signal for new blood vessels to grow.
4. Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy (PDR): In this advanced stage, the signals sent by the retina for nourishment trigger the growth of new blood vessels. These new vessels are fragile and can leak into the vitreous, the clear gel filling the inside of the eye. If they bleed, they can cause severe vision problems or even blindness.

Symptoms

Diabetic retinopathy often starts without any noticeable change in vision. However, as it progresses, symptoms might include:

• Spots or dark strings floating in your vision (floaters)
• Blurred vision
• Fluctuating vision
• Dark or empty areas in your vision
• Vision loss

Risk Factors

• Duration of diabetes: The longer someone has diabetes, the greater the risk of developing diabetic retinopathy.
• Poor control of blood sugar levels
• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol
• Pregnancy
• Tobacco use

Prevention and Management

Managing diabetes is crucial in preventing or delaying diabetic retinopathy. This includes controlling blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol. Regular eye exams are essential for early detection and treatment, which can significantly reduce the risk of blindness.

Treatment

Treatment depends on the stage of retinopathy and may include:

• Laser surgery: This can seal or shrink leaking blood vessels.
• Vitreoretinal surgery: Used in advanced stages to remove blood or scar tissue from the middle of the eye.
• Injections: Medications can be injected into the eye to decrease inflammation or stop the formation of new blood vessels.

Regular eye check-ups and managing diabetes through diet, exercise, and medication are vital for controlling the progression of diabetic retinopathy. If you or someone you know is dealing with diabetes, it’s important to get screened regularly for diabetic retinopathy as early intervention can prevent serious outcomes.