Diabetic retinopathy is the most common eye disease caused by diabetes. It happens when high blood sugar damages the small blood vessels in the retina, the part of the eye that senses light and sends images to the brain. Over time, these blood vessels can swell, leak fluid, or close off completely. In more severe cases, new weak blood vessels grow and may bleed, causing vision problems.
At first, diabetic retinopathy may not cause any symptoms, but as it worsens, you may notice blurry vision, dark spots, or floaters. If untreated, it can lead to blindness. The risk increases the longer you have diabetes and if your blood sugar is not well controlled.
