Elevated blood sugar (glucose) levels in diabetics cause the walls of small blood vessels to become thicker, weaker, and more prone to deformity, leakage and rupture. The small blood vessels in the back of the eye (the retinal blood vessels) are especially susceptible to diabetic hemorrhages. Depending on the number, size, and location of these hemorrhages, vision may become blotchy, distorted, hazy, or even obliterated. Surgery may be helpful by sealing or removing damaged blood vessels. Serious vision loss may occur if diabetes remains undetected or is not effectively regulated.
Diabetic retinopathy manifests differently depending on the number, size and location of hemorrhages (one example is pictured).
