You must have Javascript enabled to view the Navigation. If you have diabetes, you probably know that you are at risk for diabetic retinopathy. This is a disorder of the retina that may cause no symptoms at first, but, left untreated, retinopathy can cause some loss of vision or even blindness. The good news is that you can detect retinopathy early, when it is easier to treat, by having yearly eye exams. You may also be able to reduce your risk of developing retinopathy by making certain lifestyle changes.
Diabetic retinopathy is a general name for disorders of the retina that are caused by diabetes.
The retina is the membrane in the back of the eye that receives images for the brain and allows you to see. Retinopathy can cause the blood vessels that nourish the retina to swell and leak fluid. In its mild form, retinopathy usually does not affect vision and usually does not need to be treated. However, yearly eye exams are important because retinopathy can worsen over time and cause blood vessels to close up completely, grow abnormally and bleed. This can lead to blurred vision, some loss of vision or even blindness.