Diabetic retinopathy is one of the more common complications seen in people who have type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Recent studies have found that fifty percent of people with raised sugar levels, in the pre-diabetes stage, are at risk.
Diabetic retinopathy is simply a condition that occurs when elevated sugar levels damage the blood vessels in the retina. The retina is the upper layer tissue located behind the inner portion of the eye. The retina is the light-sensitive part of the eye and is crucial for healthy eyesight. This is why blindness often occurs when the retina is damaged. Sadly, there is very little warning or symptoms before the onset of diabetic retinopathy. This makes it critical for all diabetics to have an eye exam at least once in a year.