Diabetic retinopathy is a complication of diabetes. Diabetes can cause the tiny blood vessels in the back of your eye to swell and bleed.
This process can slowly damage your retina. Usually, both eyes are affected.
The longer you have diabetes, the more likely it is that you will get diabetic retinopathy.
Your chance of getting diabetic retinopathy also increases if:
- your diabetes and blood sugar levels are not well controlled
- you have high blood pressure
- you have high cholesterol