Diabetic retinopathy occurs because of weakening or swelling of the tiny blood vessels inside of the eye, which can lead to hemorrhaging, new blood vessel growth and scarring. As the damage worsens, a person may experience blurry vision, less intense/clear vision and the gradual onset of lost vision; ultimately, if left untreated, diabetic retinopathy can lead to blindness. Indeed, diabetic retinopathy is the most cited cause of blindness among working-age adults.
While the main risk factor for diabetic retinopathy is diabetes, certain additional factors exacerbate one’s chances of developing diabetic retinopathy. Being pregnant is a factor and therefore, pregnant women who have diabetes are recommended to have more frequent eye exams.
A long-time diabetic and certainly the existence of additional medical conditions increase one’s likelihood of developing complications such as diabetic retinopathy. Managing one’s sugar levels at a safe level is the single most helpful means of preventing diabetic retinopathy.