What Causes Vision Loss or Blindness in Diabetics

Blindness is a common occurrence in people who suffer from diabetes. Diabetic retinopathy is an eye disease and the leading cause of blindness in people who suffer from diabetes, caused by changes in the blood vessels of the retina. Diabetic retinopathy in some cases, the diabetics blood vessels swell and leak fluid. Other cases, abnormal new blood vessels grow. The retina is located on the back of the eye and is necessary for good vision. There are four stages to Diabetic retinopathy.

Stage One: Mild Nonproliferative Retinopathy is the earliest stage of the disease, this is when microaneurysms occurs. Microaneurysms are small balloon like swelling that occurs in the retina blood vessels.

Stage Two: When we enter the second stage it is called Moderate Nonproliferative Retinopathy. Blood vessels are blocked, these blood vessels nourish the retina. When these blood vessels are blocked the retina does not receive the accurate amount of nourishment.

Stage Three: Severe Nonproliferative Retinopathy is when a larger amount of blood vessels are blocked, this causes the retina to be deprived in areas of the retina with their blood supply. These areas lack nourishment so they send signals to the body to grow new blood vessels.

Stage Four: Proliferative Retinopathy, this stage is when the retina sends signals for nourishment and triggers the growth of new blood vessels. However, these new blood vessels are fragile and abnormal, this may causes thin fragile walls. They may leak blood causing severe vision loss or blindness.

Macular edema may occur as the disease progresses. Macular edema occurs when fluid deposits collect on or under the macula. The macula is the yellow central area of the retina. When the macula thickens and swells it may distort the central vision. The macula is located near the center of the retina behind the eyeball. This area provides sharp, clear central vision, this enables a person to see color and detail.

There are ways to eliminating vision loss in diabetics. Keeping your blood sugar levels and blood pressure at normal range can lesson your chances of having vision loss or possible blindness. Eating the right foods and portions can keep blood sugar levels in normal range. Checking your blood sugar at least two times a day will help you keep track of your blood sugar levels. Having regular check-ups to keep track of your cholesterol will help keep your blood pressure in normal range.