Diabetic Retinopathy

Table of Contents

Other names

Diabetic Eye Disease
Retinal Damage from Diabetes
Proliferative Retinopathy
Non-Proliferative Retinopathy

Synopsis

Diabetic retinopathy is a complication of diabetes that causes damage to the small blood vessels in the retina, the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye. Over time, high blood sugar levels weaken and damage retinal blood vessels, leading to leakage, swelling, and reduced oxygen delivery. If left untreated, it can lead to vision loss or blindness.

It typically progresses through stages, beginning with mild non-proliferative retinopathy, where blood vessels begin to weaken, and advancing to proliferative diabetic retinopathy, where abnormal new blood vessels grow on the retina and can bleed or cause retinal detachment.

Types of Diabetic Retinopathy:

  • Non-Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy (NPDR): Early stage; involves microaneurysms, hemorrhages, and mild vision issues.

  • Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy (PDR): Advanced stage; abnormal vessel growth, bleeding, and risk of retinal detachment.

  • Diabetic Macular Edema (DME): Swelling of the macula; can occur at any stage and directly threatens central vision.

Common Causes and Risk Factors:

  • Poorly controlled blood sugar levels

  • Long duration of diabetes (both Type 1 and Type 2)

  • High blood pressure and cholesterol

  • Smoking

  • Kidney disease

  • Pregnancy (can accelerate progression)

  • Lack of regular eye exams

Severity Factors:

  • Retinopathy can progress silently, with no symptoms in early stages.

  • Vision loss is often irreversible once damage occurs.

  • Risk of blindness increases if diabetic eye care is delayed.

  • Early detection and blood sugar control significantly reduce progression risk.

When to See a Doctor:

  • Annual comprehensive eye exams (dilated) are essential for all diabetic individuals

  • Blurry, fluctuating, or worsening vision

  • Floaters, dark spots, or blank areas in vision

  • Difficulty seeing at night

  • Sudden vision loss or flashes of light (urgent)

Natural Remedies

Tight blood sugar control: Primary method to slow or prevent damage

Control blood pressure and cholesterol: Protects blood vessels in the eye

Stop smoking: Smoking accelerates vascular damage

Eat antioxidant-rich, low-glycemic diet: Helps reduce inflammation and vascular stress

Stay active: Exercise improves insulin sensitivity and circulation

Regular eye checkups: Early treatment with laser, injections, or surgery can prevent blindness