A complication of diabetes that affects the eyes. It’s caused by damage to the blood vessels of the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye (retina).

The four stages of diabetic retinopathy include:

1. Mild Nonproliferative Retinopathy. This beginning stage is often where swelling begins in the retina’s blood vessels. …

2. Moderate Nonproliferative Retinopathy.

3. Severe Nonproliferative Retinopathy.

4. Proliferative Retinopathy. Early symptoms include floaters, blurriness, dark areas of vision and difficulty perceiving colours. Blindness can occur.