Diabetic retinopathy is an eye disease caused by damage to retinal blood vessels in people with diabetes, resulting in vision problems and possible severe sight loss.
Early Stage: Non-Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy
Early on, most people see no symptoms. This stage features small bulges in retinal blood vessels (micro-aneurysms) that may bleed or leak fluid.
Complications
Macular Edema
Macular edema occurs when leaking blood vessels cause swelling in the macula, leading to blurred vision.
Neovascularization
Neovascularization involves abnormal blood vessel growth under the retina, which can bleed, leak fluid, and distort or destroy vision—sometimes rapidly and severely.
Options to Support Living with Diabetic Retinopathy
Low vision aids offer support for many people with diabetic retinopathy, enabling them to lead more independent and active lives and improving their overall quality of life. Early intervention with low vision aids is strongly associated with improved long-term outcomes. Patients who begin using vision aids sooner adapt more effectively, while those who delay often face greater challenges once vision loss has progressed.