People with diabetes mellitus cannot use or store sugar properly. High levels of sugar in the blood can damage small blood vessels in the retina. This Manifestation of diabetes is known as Diabetic Retinopathy.
Diabetic retinopathy risk factors:
Blood sugar levels
Blood pressure
Duration of diabetes
Blood lipid levels (cholesterol and triglycerides)
Pregnancy – Women who have diabetes and become pregnant have an increased risk of developing retinopathy
Can it cause Blindness? Yes. Severe loss of vision can occur due to bleeding within the eye or a retinal detachment.
Can it be Detected early ? Diabetic retinopathy often has no early warning signs. Don’t wait for symptoms.