What is diabetic retinopathy?
Diabetic retinopathy is an eye disease in which high blood sugar damages small blood vessels in the retina, the light-sensitive layer at the back of the eye. These weakened vessels can leak fluid or blood, causing swelling in the central part of vision (macular edema). Without treatment, the condition can progress to vision loss or blindness. Though there are other diabetes-related eye diseases, it is the leading cause of vision loss among working-age adults.
Who does it affect?
Diabetic retinopathy affects individuals with diabetes, especially those with longer duration of disease or poor glucose control. Additional risk factors include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, kidney disease and sleep apnea. It often appears earlier in people with type 1 diabetes and later in those with type 2 diabetes.
