Diabetes poses risks to blood supply and the health of the eyes in later life. When the condition is not managed via medical support and a healthy diet, blood sugar spikes cause choroidal blood vessels at the back of the eye to function abnormally. Eventually this can lead to formation of new but malformed and leaky vessels (neovascularisation) that damage adjacent cells and cause vision loss.
In an earlier stage called non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy, vessel leaks cause the retina to swell, altering cell arrangements and leading to visual impairment. Managing your diabetes and blood pressure can restore visual function at this stage without requiring surgical interventions.
