{"id":1817,"date":"2026-10-20T08:52:14","date_gmt":"2026-10-20T08:52:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/eye-glossary\/diabetic-retinopathy\/"},"modified":"2026-10-20T12:56:39","modified_gmt":"2026-10-20T12:56:39","slug":"diabetic-retinopathy","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/en\/eye-glossary\/diabetic-retinopathy\/","title":{"rendered":"Diabetic Retinopathy: What It Is, Stages, Symptoms and Treatment"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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  1. Home<\/a><\/li>
  2. Knowledge centre<\/a><\/li>
  3. Eye glossary A\u2013Z<\/a><\/li>
  4. Diabetic Retinopathy: What It Is, Stages, Symptoms and Treatment<\/span><\/li><\/ol><\/div>\t\t\t

    Diabetic Retinopathy: What It Is, Stages, Symptoms and Treatment<\/h1>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

    Medically reviewed by {{surgeon}}<\/span><\/strong>, {{surgeon’s title and specialty}}<\/span>, on {{review date}}<\/span>. Last updated {{date}}<\/span>.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

    \"Retina<\/figure><\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div><\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n\n\n
    \n\t\t<\/svg>Definition<\/span>\n\t\t\t

    Diabetic retinopathy<\/strong> (noun)<\/em>: diabetic retinopathy is damage to the tiny blood vessels of the retina, the light-sensing layer at the back of the eye, caused by long-term high blood sugar in people with diabetes. The vessels can leak, close off or be replaced by fragile new ones that bleed, which can blur vision and, if untreated, lead to permanent sight loss. Early on it usually causes no symptoms, so regular eye screening matters. At Laser Istanbul Clinic, retina care is led by Do\u00e7. Dr. Muhammet Derda \u00d6zer and Op. Dr. Aysan Bayram.<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>\n\n\n\n\n

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    Diabetic retinopathy: key facts<\/h2><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t
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    <\/svg>What it is<\/span><\/dt>
    A complication of diabetes that damages the blood vessels of the retina<\/dd><\/dl><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
    <\/svg>Who gets it<\/span><\/dt>
    People with type 1, type 2 or gestational diabetes; the risk rises the longer diabetes lasts<\/dd><\/dl><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
    <\/svg>How common<\/span><\/dt>
    The US National Eye Institute (NEI) says that over time more than half of people with diabetes will develop it<\/dd><\/dl><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
    <\/svg>Main stages<\/span><\/dt>
    Non-proliferative (early, with leaky vessels) and proliferative (advanced, with new abnormal vessels)<\/dd><\/dl><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
    <\/svg>Main threat to sight<\/span><\/dt>
    Swelling of the macula (diabetic macular oedema) and bleeding or scarring in advanced disease<\/dd><\/dl><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
    <\/svg>Early symptoms<\/span><\/dt>
    Usually none<\/dd><\/dl><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
    <\/svg>Detection<\/span><\/dt>
    Dilated eye examination or retinal photography, often with an OCT scan<\/dd><\/dl><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
    <\/svg>Treatment<\/span><\/dt>
    Blood sugar and blood pressure control, anti-VEGF injections, laser, steroid treatment, and vitrectomy surgery for advanced disease<\/dd><\/dl><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
    <\/svg>Specialist<\/span><\/dt>
    Retina specialist (ophthalmologist); at Laser Istanbul Clinic, Do\u00e7. Dr. Muhammet Derda \u00d6zer or Op. Dr. Aysan Bayram<\/dd><\/dl><\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>\n\n\n\n\n
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    \"Eye<\/div><\/div>\n\t\t
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    What causes diabetic retinopathy?<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

    The cause is high blood glucose damaging the retina’s small blood vessels over time. The American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) explains that these vessels can swell, leak, close off, or be replaced by abnormal new vessels, any of which can cause vision loss.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

    The retina needs a steady blood supply. When vessels leak, fluid collects in the retina. When they close, parts of the retina are starved of oxygen, and the retina responds by growing new vessels. These new vessels are weak, bleed easily and form scar tissue, which is why advanced disease is so damaging.<\/p>\n

    Who is at risk of diabetic retinopathy?<\/h3>\n

    Anyone with diabetes can develop it. The main risk factors named by the NHS and NEI are:<\/p>\n