Blockage of the vessels can lead to the development of small pouches in the blood vessel walls (microaneurisms), leakage from the vessels (exudates), bleeding, swelling in the center of the retina, and even the growth of new blood vessels which are fragile and bleed easily, leading to scarring and decreased vision.

This devastating eye disease can only be found upon a thorough dilated eye examination. The examination is important because the disease can be treated and vision saved with prompt, in-office laser treatments.

Of course, if we don't know about the problem we cannot treat it, so routine eye examinations are of the utmost importance to diabetics.