Diabetic Retinopathy — Detailed

Microvascular retinal complication of diabetes from non-proliferative to proliferative stages.

Written by: Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board

Last updated: June 11, 2026

This content has been compiled by the Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board and is periodically reviewed by a specialist physician.

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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 — Detailed?

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a chronic, progressive microvascular complication of type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus driven by hyperglycemia-induced pericyte loss, capillary basement membrane thickening, microaneurysm formation, capillary nonperfusion, and ischemia-driven vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) release. It is the leading cause of preventable blindness in working-age adults worldwide.

Disease severity is staged into mild, moderate and severe non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR) defined by microaneurysms, dot-blot hemorrhages, hard exudates, cotton-wool spots and venous beading, and proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) characterized by neovascularization at the disc or elsewhere, vitreous hemorrhage and tractional retinal detachment. Diabetic macular edema (DME) — central or non-central — can occur at any DR stage and is the principal cause of vision loss in NPDR.

Comprehensive management includes glycemic control with HbA1c targets, blood pressure and lipid optimization, and stage-appropriate ophthalmic intervention. Anti-VEGF injections (aflibercept, ranibizumab, bevacizumab, faricimab, brolucizumab) are first-line for center-involved DME and increasingly for high-risk PDR. Pan-retinal photocoagulation (PRP) remains pivotal for PDR. Vitrectomy is reserved for non-clearing vitreous hemorrhage and tractional detachment. Annual screening with fundus photography or OCT is indicated for all patients with diabetes.

Symptoms

Asymptomatic in early NPDR

Floaters from vitreous hemorrhage

Sudden vision loss from PDR

Blurred or distorted central vision in DME

Decreased contrast sensitivity

Visual field defects from ischemia

Eventual blindness if untreated

Risk Factors

Long duration of diabetes mellitus

Poor glycemic control (HbA1c high)

Hypertension and dyslipidemia

Pregnancy with pre-existing diabetes

Renal disease and proteinuria

Smoking

Sleep apnea

When to See a Doctor?

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

New floaters or sudden vision drop
Newly diagnosed diabetes (baseline screen)
Annual diabetic eye exam
Pre-pregnancy planning in known diabetes
Worsening reading or contrast vision
Visual distortion suggesting macular edema

Treatment Methods

Glycemic, blood pressure and lipid control

Intravitreal anti-VEGF for DME and high-risk PDR

Pan-retinal photocoagulation for PDR

Focal or grid laser for selected non-central DME

Intravitreal corticosteroid implants in resistant DME

Pars plana vitrectomy for vitreous hemorrhage or traction

Annual or biannual screening with fundus imaging

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 is a progressive microvascular complication of diabetes, ranging from non-proliferative changes (microaneurysms, hemorrhages, exudates) to proliferative disease with neovascularization and vitreous hemorrhage. Early detection via dilated fundus exam and tight metabolic control are essential.

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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.