Symptoms
At the level of the retina are thickened and weakened the walls of small blood vessels that are more prone to deformity and leakage of blood. This process is called diabetic retinopathy.
Retinopathy can be:
- Proliferative.
- No proliferative.
Proliferative
Damage to the retina occurs growth of new blood vessels, which, although it may seem to constitute a benefit, not, as they grow abnormally, there is a fragile vessel growth in the retina and vitreous likely to break and bleeding. This blood is conveyed to the vitreous gel, which is the clear substance that fills the “hollow” of the eye and can cause temporary blindness, followed by a healing process and may have a detached retina. This presentation is extremely serious and can cause total blindness.
Non-Proliferative
In this case, the small capillaries (tiny blood vessels) break and leak blood and the surrounding area swells (edema) and deposited proteins. It can affect the macula, which is the central part of the retina responsible for fine vision (also lose central vision). In its initial phases does not cause blindness, but small hemorrhages may distort certain parts of the visual field and thus cause blurred vision.
The first signs of diabetic retinopathy and venous dilation are usually small red dots that are seen with the ophthalmoscope.
Later symptoms consist of general decline of vision.
In case of blurred vision and the appearance of black spots or flashing visual field is an indication of going to the ophthalmologist.
