What are the stages of Diabetic Retinopathy

What are the stages of Diabetic Retinopathy?

Diabetic retinopathy has four stages:

Mild Nonproliferative Retinopathy: This initial stage is characterized by the presence of microaneurysms, small balloon-like swellings in the tiny blood vessels of the retina.

Moderate Nonproliferative Retinopathy: Progression of the disease leads to blockage of some blood vessels supplying the retina.

Severe Nonproliferative Retinopathy: In this stage, numerous blood vessels become obstructed, resulting in deprivation of blood supply to multiple areas of the retina. Consequently, these areas signal the body to generate new blood vessels for nourishment.

Proliferative Retinopathy: At the advanced stage, the retina’s signals for nourishment stimulate the growth of abnormal and fragile new blood vessels. These vessels proliferate along the retina and the surface of the vitreous gel within the eye. While they initially do not cause symptoms or vision loss, their thin walls render them prone to leakage. This leakage can lead to severe vision impairment and potential blindness.