A Nursing Guide: What you want and need to know!
*** After 15 years with Type 1 Diabetes, nearly all will people will have some degree of retinal disease!
*** Diabetic Retinopathy is estimated to be the most common cause of new blindness in people ages 20-74!
*** Diabetic Retinopathy can sometimes be prevented, controlled and/or progression slowed!
There are 4 stages of Diabetic Retinopathy:
1. Mild Nonproliferative = Small areas of the blood vessels in the retina swell (balloon-like).
2. Moderate Nonproliferative = As the disease progresses some of the blood vessels nourishing the retina are blocked.
3. Severe Nonproliferative = Many of the blood vessels are blocked causing the body to grow new, abnormal ones.
4. Advanced stage = The new blood vessels are abnormal and fragile, they are thin and leak easily. If the blood leaks, severe vision loss or blindness can occur.
