Usually, when a patient develops diabetic retinopathy the blood vessels that supply oxygen and nutrition to the retina become blocked, leaky or a combination of both. This results in areas of the retina to become swollen or that may become ischemic or deprived of oxygen.

The new blood vessels that are generated are typically unhealthy and problematic and can lead to things like retinal detachment or glaucoma.

Diabetic retinopathy is most common in patients with type 1 or type 2 diabetes.

Patients may also experience symptoms such as floaters, blurred or patchy vision, dark or empty areas in the vision, eye pain or redness, or even sudden vision loss.

Diabetic retinopathy usually affects both eyes.