Diabetic Retinopathy: Understanding the Silent Threat to Vision
Diabetic Retinopathy is one of the most common and serious complications of diabetes, affecting the eyes and often leading to vision loss if left untreated. It occurs when prolonged high blood sugar levels cause damage to the tiny blood vessels in the retina — the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye. Over time, this damage interferes with the retina’s ability to process visual information, resulting in blurred vision, dark spots, or even complete blindness in severe cases.
The retina relies on a network of small blood vessels to function properly. In individuals with diabetes, excess glucose can weaken or block these vessels, leading to fluid leakage or the growth of abnormal new vessels. This process gradually impairs vision and progresses through different stages, starting from mild non-proliferative retinopathy to severe proliferative retinopathy. In the early stages, symptoms may be minimal…
