Diabetic retinopathy affects nearly one-third of all people living with diabetes. It occurs when high blood sugar levels damage the tiny blood vessels in the retina, the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye.
Why Early Detection Matters
The most dangerous aspect of diabetic retinopathy is that it often shows no symptoms in its early stages. By the time vision changes are noticed, significant damage may have already occurred. This is why annual dilated eye examinations are critical for every person with diabetes.
Stages of Diabetic Retinopathy
Mild Non-Proliferative: Small areas of balloon-like swelling in the retina's tiny blood vessels (microaneurysms). At this stage, there may be no visual symptoms.
Moderate Non-Proliferative: As the disease progresses, some blood vessels that nourish the retina become blocked.
Severe Non-Proliferative: Many more blood vessels are blocked, depriving several areas of the retina of their blood supply. These areas signal the body to grow new blood vessels.
Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy (PDR): New, abnormal blood vessels grow along the retina and into the vitreous gel. These fragile vessels can leak blood, causing severe vision loss.
Modern Treatment Options
Today, we have highly effective treatments including anti-VEGF injections, laser photocoagulation, and advanced vitrectomy surgery. When detected early, treatment can prevent 95% of severe vision loss from diabetic retinopathy.
At Eye Vue, Dr. Pawan Gupta — a pioneer of anti-VEGF therapy in India — provides comprehensive diabetic eye care using the latest evidence-based protocols.