Diabetic retinopathy is a disorder of the eye, which occurs in diabetics. At first, often diabetic retinopathy only shows mild symptoms, or even no symptoms at all. But if left untreated, diabetic retinopathy can cause blindness.
Causes of Diabetic Retinopathy
Diabetic retinopathy is a complication of diabetes that triggers the blockage of blood vessels in the retina of the eye. The retina is the layer at the back of the eye that is sensitive to light. The retina functions to change the light entering the eye into electrical signals, which will then be transmitted to the brain. In the brain, the electrical signals will be perceived as images.
In order to function properly, the retina requires blood intake from surrounding blood vessels. In people with diabetes, high blood sugar levels will slowly clog the blood vessels, so that blood intake to the retina decreases. As a result, the retina will form new blood vessels to meet blood needs. However, these newly formed blood vessels do not develop completely, so they are prone to rupture or leak.
Risk Factors for Diabetic Retinopathy
All diabetics are at risk of developing diabetic retinopathy, but the risk will be higher if diabetics also have the following conditions:
- High cholesterol level
- High blood pressure
- Is pregnant
- Smoke
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