What Is Diabetic Retinopathy?

Diabetic retinopathy is a serious eye condition that diabetics can get and is especially common in those who have lived with diabetes for a long period of time. Doctors will be able to see any abnormalities in the eyes, but there is usually no threat to eyesight.

There are two kinds of diabetic retinopathy that can damage eyesight; both involve a fine network of blood vessels within the retina.

What Causes of Diabetic Retinopathy?

Maculopathy occurs when the blood vessels within the retina begin to leak. When the macula becomes affected, vision gradually becomes worse, and it may become difficult to see people’s faces in the distance or to read small print, although the amount of central vision loss will vary between individuals. However, the vision that enables you to get around both at home and outside, i.e. your navigation vision, will be preserved. It is very rare for anyone who has maculopathy to lose his or her eyesight completely.