Diabetic Retinopathy

Microvascular Retinal Complication of Diabetes Mellitus

Written by: Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board

Published: February 1, 2026

This content is for general information; please consult your physician for diagnosis and treatment.

References (5)

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. You can book an appointment at our Göz Hastalıkları department. Book Appointment →

What is Diabetic Retinopathy?

Chronic hyperglycemia damages retinal capillary endothelium and pericytes, causing microaneurysms, leakage, and ischemia.

Stages: mild/moderate/severe non-proliferative (NPDR) and proliferative (PDR) diabetic retinopathy.

Diabetic macular edema (DME) is the leading cause of central vision loss and can occur at any stage.

PDR features neovascularization, vitreous hemorrhage, tractional retinal detachment, and neovascular glaucoma.

Symptoms

Often asymptomatic in early stages

Gradual blurred vision and fluctuating acuity

Floaters and dark spots from vitreous hemorrhage

Distorted central vision with macular edema

Sudden vision loss from hemorrhage or tractional detachment

Dark/empty areas in the visual field

Risk Factors

Duration of diabetes (strongest risk factor)

Poor glycemic control (elevated HbA1c)

Hypertension and dyslipidemia

Pregnancy and puberty in type 1 diabetes

Chronic kidney disease and anemia

Smoking

When to See a Doctor?

If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention promptly:

Type 2 diabetes: dilated exam at diagnosis, then annually (or more often if pathology)
Type 1 diabetes: within 5 years of diagnosis, then annually
Sudden vision loss, new floaters, or distorted vision — urgent evaluation

Treatment Methods

Optimize HbA1c (<7%), blood pressure (<130/80), lipids, and kidney care

Anti-VEGF intravitreal injections (ranibizumab, aflibercept, bevacizumab) for DME and PDR

Focal/grid laser photocoagulation for focal DME

Panretinal photocoagulation (PRP) for high-risk PDR

Vitrectomy for non-clearing vitreous hemorrhage or tractional retinal detachment

Intravitreal corticosteroids (dexamethasone implant, fluocinolone) in selected DME cases

Which Department to Visit?

You can visit our Göz Hastalıkları department for these complaints. Our specialist physicians will create the most suitable treatment plan for you.

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Diabetic Retinopathy — Detailed

Göz Hastalıkları

Diabetic retinopathy is the leading cause of blindness among working-age adults, progressing through non-proliferative microvascular changes to proliferative neovascularization, with macular edema as a parallel sight-threatening complication.

Diabetic Retinopathy

Göz Hastalıkları

Diabetic retinopathy is the leading cause of blindness in working-age adults, classified into non-proliferative (NPDR: microaneurysms, dot/blot hemorrhages, cotton-wool spots, IRMA, venous beading) and proliferative (PDR: neovascularization of disc/elsewhere, vitreous hemorrhage, tractional retinal detachment); diabetic macular edema (DME) can occur at any stage; treatment includes glycemic and BP control, intravitreal anti-VEGF for DME and PDR, panretinal photocoagulation for PDR, and vitrectomy for non-clearing vitreous hemorrhage.

Anaemia

Dahiliye (İç Hastalıkları)

Anaemia is a low haemoglobin level that reduces oxygen delivery, causing fatigue, pallor, and shortness of breath. It is not a disease itself but a sign of many underlying conditions. Most cases are correctable with appropriate diagnosis and treatment.

Iron Deficiency Anaemia

Dahiliye (İç Hastalıkları)

Iron deficiency anaemia develops when dietary intake, absorption, or losses create an iron shortfall, most often affecting women and children. Identifying the underlying cause is the core of management, alongside iron replacement.

Vitamin B12 Deficiency

Dahiliye (İç Hastalıkları)

Vitamin B12 deficiency can cause megaloblastic anaemia, neurological symptoms, and cognitive impairment. Early treatment with intramuscular or oral B12 largely prevents irreversible complications.

Hypertension (High Blood Pressure) Management

Dahiliye (İç Hastalıkları)

Hypertension is often called the silent killer because it progresses symptom-free for years and can damage the heart, brain, kidneys, and eyes. Regular monitoring, lifestyle change, and evidence-based drug therapy dramatically reduce cardiovascular risk.

Chronic Kidney Disease

Dahiliye (İç Hastalıkları)

Chronic kidney disease is one of the most common complications of chronic conditions such as diabetes and hypertension, and can be silent in its early stages.

Hepatitis B (HBV)

Dahiliye (İç Hastalıkları)

Hepatitis B is a DNA virus infection causing acute and chronic hepatitis with risk of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma; diagnosis integrates HBsAg, HBeAg, anti-HBc, and HBV DNA with management based on disease phase using nucleos(t)ide analogues (entecavir, tenofovir) and universal infant vaccination.

Health Disclaimer: The information on this page is prepared for general informational purposes only. It does not replace medical diagnosis and treatment. Please consult your physician for your complaints. Saygı Hospital does not accept responsibility for actions taken based on the information on this page.