Diabetic retinopathy is a disorder in the eyes, which occurs in diabetics. Initially, often diabetic retinopathy only shows mild symptoms, or even no symptoms at all. However, if not treated, diabetic retinopathy can cause blindness.
Symptoms and signs of Diabetic Retinopathy:
Initially, diabetic retinopathy did not show symptoms. But over time, symptoms can appear and generally occur in both eyes. Symptoms of diabetic retinopathy include:
- Vision gradually decreases
- Looks like black spots on sight
- Visible stains on sight (floaters)
- Vision is shaded
- It’s hard to distinguish colors
- Pain in eyes or red eyes
Although it does not always indicate diabetic retinopathy, it is advisable to check with an ophthalmologist when the symptoms appear. Keep in mind, pregnancy can aggravate the condition of diabetic retinopathy. Therefore, it is important for pregnant women to undergo regular eye examination.
Causes of Diabetic Retinopathy:
Diabetic retinopathy is a complication of diabetes that triggers blockage of blood vessels in the eye retina. The retina is the lining of the back of the eye that is sensitive to light. The retina functions to convert the light into the eye into an electrical signal, which will then be passed to the brain. In the brain, the electrical signal will be perceived as an image.
In order to function properly, the retina needs blood intake from the blood vessels around it. In diabetics, high blood sugar levels will slowly block the blood vessels, resulting in reduced blood intake to the retina. As a result, the retina will form a new blood vessel to meet the blood needs. However, the newly formed blood vessels do not develop perfectly, so it is fragile or leaky.
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