Proliferative retinopathy occurs when abnormal blood vessels grow on the surface of the retina. The growth is called neovascularization . The abnormal blood vessels are usually fragile and may break and bleed. The leaking blood can cloud and partially block light passing through the eye causing blurred vision. Eventually, the abnormal blood vessels may grow scar tissue and cause retinal detachment.
Retinal detachment can cause severe vision loss.
Proliferative retinopathy is much more serious and when symptoms occur it requires immediate medical attention. Vision becomes hazy, spotty, or may even disappear altogether. In order to determine if treatment is necessary, and if necessary, what kind of treatment to be performed, you will need to have a full examination by an ophthalmologist. In this examination your ophthalmologist will consider several factors including age, medical history, lifestyle, and how much damage there is to the retina. In many cases it's not necessary to undergo treatment, but you will need to continually have regular eye examinations to monitor changes or further damage.