Stages of diabetic retinopathy and its relationship with blood sugar level and duration of diabetes mellitus

ABSTRACT

Background: The worldwide prevalence of Diabetes Mellitus [DM] has risen. Diabetics are 25 times more likely to become blind than non-diabetics due to Diabetic Retinopathy [DR]. The DR could either be delayed or treated by diagnosis at an early stage which is possible by regular ophthalmoscopic examination. Hyperglycemia is the major pathogenetic factor for DR and frequency and progression from non-proliferative to proliferative increases with increasing duration of DM. Studies show reduction in the rate of progression of DR from non-proliferative [background to pre-proliferative to proliferative] by good glycaemic control and treatment with laser can be offered if treating physician identifies it at an early stage