Diabetic retinopathy is a potentially sight-threatening complication of diabetes that affects the retina, the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye. It is caused by damage to the blood vessels in the retina due to long-term high blood sugar levels in individuals with diabetes.

Over time, the blood vessels in the retina may leak fluid or blood, leading to swelling and the formation of abnormal blood vessels. These changes can cause vision problems, including blurry or distorted vision, dark or empty areas in the visual field, difficulty seeing colors, and even complete vision loss if left untreated.

• There are different stages of diabetic retinopathy, ranging from mild non-proliferative retinopathy to severe proliferative retinopathy. Proliferative retinopathy is the most advanced stage and is characterized by the growth of new, fragile blood vessels that can cause retinal detachment and severe vision loss.