Question: What causes diabetic retinopathy?
Answer: Diabetic retinopathy is a common complication related to the hyperglycemia of diabetes. If left untreated, diabetic retinopathy can lead to severe vision loss or even total blindness. The condition is caused when high blood sugar levels lead to changes in the blood vessels of the retina, a part of the eye that is very important for good vision. Blood vessels inside the retina may swell and leak fluid. This fluid may leak into the macula, causing it to swell. The macula is the sensitive area of the retina responsible for sharp vision. Swelling of the macula may result in blurred vision. In addition, new blood vessels may begin to grow on the surface of the retina, in an effort to increase circulation of blood.
However, these new blood vessels are usually fragile and may allow blood to leak into the back of the eye and block vision.
If you have diabetes, closely controlling your blood sugar levels is the best way to decrease your risk for developing diabetic retinopathy. Also, taking prescribed medications, sticking to a healthy diet, exercising regularly, controlling high blood pressure and avoiding alcohol and smoking are all ways to slow the progression of the disease.
Source:
National Eye Institute. Facts About Diabetic Retinopathy. National Eye Institute, Aug 2009.
