What Happens if Diabetic Retinopathy Is Not Treated?
In untreated diabetic retinopathy, scar tissue that forms on the back of the retina as a result of a contraction of the new blood vessels can cause the retina to pull away from the back of the eye. This is called a retinal detachment. Retinal detachment can cause permanent blindness if left untreated. Diabetic retinopathy can also cause macular edema. The macula is the inner part of the retina that allows for detail to be seen. When fluid from blood vessels leaks into the macula, it can swell making vision blurry.
