What underlying physiological issue causes Diabetic Retinopathy leading to vision distortion?

Damage to retinal blood vessels caused by high glucose levels in uncontrolled diabetes.

Diabetic Retinopathy is a serious complication directly linked to poor management of blood sugar levels in individuals diagnosed with diabetes. The physiological mechanism involves chronic hyperglycemia (high glucose levels) causing damage to the delicate, tiny blood vessels situated within the retina. This damage leads to various issues, including the leakage of fluid or active bleeding onto the retinal surface. This physical disruption obstructs light from reaching the photoreceptor cells, consequently distorting vision or causing blockages. Due to the widespread nature of diabetes globally, this condition stands as a primary driver of vision loss among working-age adults, emphasizing the critical nature of regular retinal screenings for diabetic patients.