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Complications
By Mayo Clinic staffThe abnormal growth of new blood vessels in the retina can lead to serious vision problems:
- Vitreous hemorrhage. The new blood vessels may bleed into the clear, jelly-like substance that fills the center of your eye. If the amount of bleeding is small, you might see only a few dark spots or floaters. In more severe cases, blood can fill the vitreous cavity and completely block your vision. Vitreous hemorrhage by itself usually doesn't cause permanent vision loss. The blood often clears from the eye within a few weeks or months. Unless your retina is damaged, your vision may return to its previous clarity.
- Retinal detachment. The abnormal blood vessels associated with diabetic retinopathy stimulate the growth of scar tissue, which can pull the retina away from the back of the eye. This may cause blurred vision, spots floating in your vision or severe vision loss.
- Glaucoma. The new blood vessels may interfere with the normal flow of fluid out of the eye and cause pressure in the eye to build up. This pressure can damage the nerve that carries images from your eye to your brain (optic nerve).
- Blindness. Eventually, diabetic retinopathy can lead to complete vision loss.
