Unfortunately the condition may progress from no or mild retinopathy to a much more severe type. If you can control your diabetes and blood pressure at this stage it will help prevent or slow down any harmful changes. Eventually your sight may become reduced. Laser and blood pressure control help. These blood vessels are very delicate and can bleed easily.
Laser is very effective in stopping the new vessels grow.
Remember, if you have 'no' retinopathy you should still look after your diabetes. Many people with diabetes do go on to develop retinopathy, and this can damage the sight severely. The types of retinopathy that may develop are described in adjacent pages. Controlling your diabetes and blood pressure also helps to prevent other problems such as neuropathy and kidney damage. Such matters are discussed briefly in this web-site ' Prevention of Retinopathy ', but in more details in other sites such as ' Diabetes UK ' and the British Diabetic Association site.