How does diabetic retinopathy cause loss of vision?
Diabetic retinopathy can cause loss of vision in several ways. In background diabetic retinopathy, the earliest stage of diabetic retinopathy, leaky blood vessels can result in swelling of the central retina or macular edema and blur the center of vision. Lack of blood flow or ischemia may lead to new blood vessel formation. The growth of new blood vessel in the eye is an ominous sign and is referred to as proliferative diabetic retinopathy. The new vessels are fragile and often hemorrhage inside the eye. Symptoms of hemorrhage include floaters or a diffuse haziness covering the field of vision. Scar tissue formation on the surface of the retina is the end result of new blood vessel growth in the eye. With time contraction of scar tissue in the eye will pull on the retina causing retinal detachment and total loss of vision if left untreated. What is the treatment for diabetic retinopathy? Fortunately, effective treatment is available and loss of vision is preventable in the vast majori
