Abstract

Diabetic retinopathy is a sight-threatening complication of diabetes mellitus that affects the retina, leading to vision impairment and blindness. The condition arises due to prolonged exposure to elevated blood sugar levels, which damages the retinal blood vessels, causing leakage and abnormal vessel growth. In its early stages, diabetic retinopathy may not exhibit noticeable symptoms, making regular eye examinations critical for early detection and management. Risk factors include poorly controlled diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, and longer diabetes duration. Prevention and management involve maintaining tight blood sugar control, blood pressure management, and cholesterol monitoring, and adopting a healthy lifestyle. As diabetes prevalence continues to rise, diabetic retinopathy emerges as a growing global public health concern, highlighting the urgency of awareness, early intervention, and comprehensive diabetic care.