Diabetic retinopathy: In an eye condition that affects the

Diabetic retinopathy in an eye condition that affects the retina. Complications can cause vision loss and blindness in people who have diabetes . Learn more. Learn about diabetic retinopathy , a microvascular complication of diabetes that can cause vision loss. Find out the etiology, risk factors, pathophysiology, diagnosis, management, and prognosis of this disease. What is diabetic retinopathy ? Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a serious eye disease that can affect people with diabetes mellitus. It occurs when high levels of glucose (sugar) in the blood cause changes to the network of blood vessels located in the retina. These changes can damage the retina, leading to vision loss and blindness. This booklet is for people with diabetic retinopathy and their families and friends. It provides information about diabetic retinopathy and answers questions about the cause and symptoms of this progressive eye disease. Diagnosis and types of treatment are described.