Diabetic Retinopathy

Diabetic Retinopathy, caused by Diabetes, is a disease that leads to blurry, distorted vision and blindness. It occurs when diabetes weakens blood vessels inside your eye. These weak vessels leak fluid into an area of the eye called the retina. New, distorted vessels may grow, and then bleed. These vessels can damage areas of the retina, causing vision loss. Over time, diabetes makes blood vessels weaken all over the body, including in the eyes. Other things can combine with diabetes to make retinopathy worse. These include pregnancy, high blood pressure, and smoking. You can have diabetic retinopathy without knowing it. Usually, there is no pain and no outward sign. Over time, you may notice gradual blurring or some vision loss. Symptoms may come and go. If diabetic retinopathy is severe, you may have clouded vision or blindness.

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