What is Diabetic Retinopathy?

Diabetic retinopathy is a known complication of diabetes that affects the retina, causing blurry vision, double vision, blind spots, and floaters. The retina is the inner lining of the eye. When the blood vessels that supply nourishment to the retina are weakened, they tend to leak, swell or bleed, causing vision loss, and eventually, blindness.

Ninety-five percent of those with significant diabetic retinopathy can avoid substantial vision loss if they are treated in time. With early intervention and treatment, diabetic retinopathy can be controlled; however, any damage to the retina is irreversible. Therefore it is important for patients with diabetes to have a dilated eye exam at least once a year.