Diabetic Retinopathy

When the eye’s blood vessels deteriorate and fluid fills the retina, reducing overall vision.

The diabetic onset of retinal disease, retinopathy occurs when strength of the eye’s blood vessels deteriorates and causes fluid – blood or otherwise – to seep into the retina. In most cases, this fluid flows into the center of the eye and negatively impacts vision. Heightened levels of blood sugar can worsen this condition.

How Diabetic Retinopathy Impacts Vision

The obstruction of the retina and overflow of fluid to the center of the eye causes blurred vision as well as risks swelling the macula – the part of the eye that allows you to see the finer details of the world. (Think of it like transitioning from a 12 megapixel camera back to a six megapixel.) The disorder’s implications can be amplified if diabetes is left untreated.

Diabetic Retinopathy Causes

The most common cause of diabetic retinopathy is unchecked diabetes. In most cases, retinopathy is left undiagnosed until dramatic changes in vision begin to occur, making it a much more difficult eye disease than most to catch early. Upon being diagnosed with diabetes, a follow-up appointment with an ophthalmologist is advised.