Diabetes Associated Eye Conditons | Diabetic Retinopathy
There are three levels to Diabetic Retinopathy
Background Diabetic Retinopathy
This usually affects long time diabetes sufferers, the blood vessels in this case are slightly bulged and may leak fluid or blood. The blood vessels in the retina are not affected so severely by diabetes to cause vision loss at this stage.
Maculopathy
Where background diabetic retinopathy is left untreated or becomes severe, the macula may now be affected. The macula is a vital part of your sight as it provides the central part of your vision which is involved with the detailed part of the vision. With the macula affected you will find that you are unable to recognise facial features and small print while reading. The severity of central vision loss varies on an individual basis and therefore should be checked on a regular basis.
Although central vision is affected, the peripheral vision remains intact and most day to day activities can still be done and full sight loss is rare.
Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy
The third level of Diabetic Retinopathy, in which the blood vessels become blocked. This causes new blood vessels to form in the eye which is the eyes way of coping with the lack of nourishment it is getting from the blocked blood vessels. However, these new blood vessels are weaker than the original blood vessels and are more likely to bleed. The blood vessels also grow in the wrong places and which can cause scar tissue to be formed in the eye. The scar tissue causes the retina to move, this is called retinal detachment.
Proliferative diabetic retinopathy is rare, but can cause vision loss instantly and severely. Without treatment vision loss is expected. However, with treatment vision loss can be prevented.