### Understanding Diabetic Retinopathy Diabetic retinopathy is a complication of diabetes that affects the eyes. It is caused by damage to the blood vessels in the retina, the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye. Here’s a breakdown of the symptoms and stages of this condition: #### Early Stage: Mild Nonproliferative Diabetic Retinopathy (NPDR) - **Symptoms:** Often no symptoms. - **What Happens:** Weakened blood vessels in the retina develop small swellings called microaneurysms, which may leak fluid into the retina. #### Moderate NPDR - **Symptoms:** Blurry vision, colors appearing dull or faded. - **What Happens:** Blood vessels swell and distort, losing their ability to transport blood. This can cause macular edema, a buildup of fluid in the center of the retina. #### Severe NPDR - **Symptoms:** More noticeable vision changes. - **What Happens:** Extensive blood and fluid leakage into the retina, significant decrease in blood flow to the macula, and potential damage to nerve cells. #### Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy (PDR) - **Symptoms:** Dark floaters, vision loss, flashing lights, shadow in peripheral vision, “gray curtain” over vision. - **What Happens:** New, fragile blood vessels grow on the retina’s surface, leading to bleeding into the vitreous (the jellylike substance in the eye) and scar tissue formation. This can cause retinal detachment and severe vision loss. #### Prevention and Management - **Regular Eye Exams:** Early detection through regular dilated eye exams is crucial. - **Blood Sugar Control:** Maintaining stable blood sugar levels can help prevent or slow the progression of diabetic retinopathy. - **Medical Treatment:** In advanced stages, treatments like laser surgery, injections, or vitrectomy (removal of vitreous gel) may be necessary. If you have diabetes, it’s important to monitor your eye health and seek prompt medical attention if you notice any changes in your vision.