Retina & diabetes

Diabetic retinopathy, stage by stage

Diabetes that is poorly controlled over time weakens the small blood vessels of the retina. Silent for a long time, the damage progresses in stages. Move the slider to see the back of the eye change — and why regular screening is essential.

The back of the eye (front view)

The back of the eye according to the stage of diabetic retinopathy View of the back of the eye showing the lesions that appear at each stage: microaneurysms, hemorrhages, exudates, then new blood vessels.

What appears

Microaneurysms — tiny dilations of the capillaries, the first signs.
Hemorrhages — small bleeds in the retina.
Exudates — pale deposits (leaks of fats/proteins).
New blood vessels — fragile, abnormal vessels: the proliferative stage, at risk.
Macular edema — at any stage, fluid can build up in the center of the retina (the macula) and blur fine vision. It is the main cause of vision loss in diabetes; it is treated mainly with intravitreal injections (anti-VEGF), sometimes with laser.

Diabetic retinopathy can remain free of symptoms for a long time while damage sets in. Good diabetes control and a regular examination of the back of the eye make it possible to detect it early and to treat it before vision declines.

Educational diagram — Dr Moïse Tourabaly, ophthalmologist. For information purposes; it does not replace an examination.