Non-proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy (NPDR) is also referred to as background retinopathy. This is an early stage of diabetic retinopathy where tiny blood vessels within the retina leak blood or fluid. This leaking fluid causes the retina to swell and to form deposits.

Many people with diabetes have mild NPDR that often does not affect their vision, since the macula has yet to be interfered with. It is problems with the macula, a small area in the center of the retina that allows us to see fine details clearly, that will eventually cause loss of visual acuity in diabetic retinopathy. Typically the macula will either swell (macular edema) or have its blood supply cut off (macular ischemia).

Often the NPDR progresses to PDR. At that point, abnormal new blood vessels grow on the surface of the retina or optic nerve and bleed into the gel-like substance that fills the center of the eye (the vitreous). This can cause temporary vision loss.

Often there are no symptoms in the early stages of diabetic retinopathy, so you should not wait for symptoms to have a comprehensive eye exam. At the Woolfson Eye Institute (WEI) we recommend a medical eye exam at least one, but preferably twice a year – especially for diabetes patients.

When symptoms do present, the most common is blurred vision. This is cause by the macula - the small area at the center of the retina - swelling from the leaking fluid from retinal blood vessels. Rapid changes in blood sugar can also cause temporary blurring of vision in both eyes, even if retinopathy is not present. Have your eyes checked promptly if you experience changes in your vision lasting more than a day or two, especially if not associated with a change in blood sugar. Prevention is the best treatment for diabetic retinopathy. Strict control of your blood sugar will significantly reduce the long-term risk of vision loss.