Diabetes retinal damage (diabetic retinopathy) occurs in both eyes and will affect most diabetic patients. Loosely defined as any damage to the blood vessels serving the light sensitive back of the eye (retina). Unlike other diabetic eye complications such as glaucoma and cataracts, diabetic retinopathy may go unnoticed at the onset though at its most severe it can lead to blindness. Progressive symptoms outlined by the Mayo Clinic are: spots or dark strings (floaters); blurriness; fluctuating vision; dark or empty areas; poor night and color vision; total loss of sight.

Those at higher risk of diabetic retinopathy are individuals with uncontrolled glucose levels, Hispanics and African-Americans, smokers, and individuals with high cholesterol and blood pressure. Pregnancy may worsen diabetic retinopathy, necessitating more frequent eye exams.

Diabetes Retinal Damage: Stages of Diabetic Retinopathy

Diabetic retinopathy is classified as either nonproliferative (NPDR) or proliferative (PDR) and categorized according to severity. …