Diabetic retinopathy refers to the adverse effects of diabetes mellitus(raised blood sugar levels) on the retina(the back portion) of the eye. This can happen to patients with both type 1 diabetes (insulin dependent) or type 2 diabetes(which may or may not be insulin dependent).

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The is a progressively blinding disease. The treatment in early stages is rewarding. A lifelong follow up is required. Additionally, good systemic control is of paramount importance in arresting its progress. It also follows that co-existent disorders, such as hypertension(high blood pressure), dyslipidemia(increased fat or cholesterol in the bloodstream) or homocystinuria(increased levels of homocysteine, an amino acid in the blood) can accelerate the disease process. If left untreated, it can result in irreversible blindness.