Diabetic retinopathy is the most common diabetic eye disease and a leading cause of blindness in American adults. It is caused by changes in the blood vessels of the retina. At first, diabetic retinopathy may cause no symptoms or only mild vision problems. Eventually, however, diabetic retinopathy can result in blindness.

Here are the four stages of diabetic retinopathy according to the National Eye Institute:

Mild Nonproliferative Retinopathy: At this earliest stage, microaneurysms occur. They are small areas of balloon-like swelling in the retina’s tiny blood vessels.
 Moderate Nonproliferative Retinopathy: As the disease progresses, some blood vessels that nourish the retina are blocked.
Severe Nonproliferative Retinopathy: Many more blood vessels are blocked, depriving several areas of the retina with their blood supply. These areas of the retina send signals to the body to grow new blood vessels for nourishment.
Proliferative Retinopathy: At this advanced stage, the signals sent by the retina for nourishment trigger the growth of new blood vessels. This condition is called proliferative retinopathy. These new blood vessels are abnormal and fragile. They grow along the retina and along the surface of the clear, vitreous gel that fills the inside of the eye. By themselves, these blood vessels do not cause symptoms or vision loss. However, they have thin, fragile walls. If they leak blood, severe vision loss and even blindness can result.

There are several risk factors for diabetic retinopathy including high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and smoking. Common symptoms include blurred vision, vision loss, poor night visions, spots floating in your vision, and dark streaks or a red film that blocks your vision.

Chelation for diabetes can help in keeping one’s blood pressure levels in (what is considered) a normal range and can help to avoid (and possibly prevent) loss of vision. Visit Cardio Renew to see how oral EDTA chelation can help you reduce the symptoms of diabetic retinopathy. Or call us at 800-578-1215.