American Board of Opticianry (ABO) Practice Test 2025 - Free ABO Practice Questions and Study Guide

Diabetic retinopathy is a common condition associated with diabetes that impacts vision. It is primarily a complication of diabetes that results from damage to the blood vessels in the retina due to high blood sugar levels over time. This condition progresses through stages, starting from mild nonproliferative changes to more severe proliferative diabetic retinopathy, which can lead to significant vision loss if not treated promptly.

Diabetic retinopathy often goes unnoticed in its early stages, highlighting the importance of regular eye examinations for individuals with diabetes. As the disease progresses, symptoms may include blurred vision, floaters, and potential complete vision loss. Effective management of blood sugar levels and timely intervention can help reduce the risk and severity of the condition.

In contrast, while glaucoma, macular degeneration, and retinal detachment are serious eye conditions, they are not specifically tied to diabetes in the same way that diabetic retinopathy is. Glaucoma primarily involves increased intraocular pressure and can affect anyone, macular degeneration leads to vision loss typically related to aging rather than diabetes, and retinal detachment can occur due to various causes unrelated to diabetes.