Diabetic retinopathy

Diabetic retinopathy is a diabetes-related eye condition that affects the retina. It is a serious sight-threatening complication of diabetes.

Diabetic retinopathy NIE

Overview

Diabetes is a chronic condition that is characterized by high blood sugar levels. Over time, these high levels can cause damage to various parts of the body, including the retina, which is the light-sensitive layer at the back of the eye. This damage is known as diabetic retinopathy.

Symptoms

In the early stages, diabetic retinopathy may cause no symptoms or only mild vision problems. However, as the condition progresses, it can lead to blindness. Symptoms can include:

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

Causes

Diabetic retinopathy is caused by damage to the blood vessels in the retina. This damage can occur as a result of high blood sugar levels, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and tobacco use.

Treatment

Treatment for diabetic retinopathy depends on the stage of the disease and the specific problems that need to be addressed. Options may include:

• Laser treatment
• Injection of medication into the eye
• Surgery

Prevention

The best way to prevent diabetic retinopathy is to manage your diabetes well. This includes:

• Controlling your blood sugar levels
• Controlling your blood pressure
• Controlling your cholesterol levels
• Quitting smoking

See also

• Diabetes
• Retina
• Blood sugar
• Blood pressure
• Cholesterol

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