Difference Between Proliferative and Nonproliferative Retinopathy

The word "proliferative" refers to whether or not there is neovascularization (abnormal blood vessel growth) in the retinaEarly disease without neovascularization is called nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR). ... The weakened vessels also become leaky, causing fluid to seep into the retina.

1. What is non-proliferative retinopathy?
2. What are the four stages of diabetic retinopathy?
3. Is background diabetic retinopathy the same as nonproliferative?
4. What is the hallmark of proliferative diabetic retinopathy?
5. What causes proliferative retinopathy?
6. Does retinopathy always lead to blindness?
7. What is the best treatment for diabetic retinopathy?
8. How fast does diabetic retinopathy progress?
9. Is diabetic retinopathy a disability?
10. What does a person with diabetic retinopathy see?
11. Can you still drive with diabetic retinopathy?
12. How is retinopathy monitored?

What is non-proliferative retinopathy?

Non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR) is the early stage of the disease in which symptoms will be mild or nonexistent. In NPDR, the blood vessels in the retina are weakened. Tiny bulges in the blood vessels, called microaneurysms, may leak fluid into the retina. This leakage may lead to swelling of the macula.

What are the four stages of diabetic retinopathy?

The four stages of diabetic retinopathy

• Stage 1: Mild nonproliferative retinopathy — microaneurysms. ...
• Stage 2: Moderate nonproliferative retinopathy — blocked blood vessels. ...
• Stage 3: Severe nonproliferative retinopathy — more blocked blood vessels & a call for help. ...
• Stage 4: Proliferative retinopathy — blood vessels grow on the retina.

Is background diabetic retinopathy the same as nonproliferative?

Mild Nonproliferative Retinopathy

The first stage is also called background retinopathy. It means that there are tiny bulges in the tiny blood vessels in your retinas. The bulges are called microaneurysms. They may cause the vessels to leak small amounts of blood into your retinas.

What is the hallmark of proliferative diabetic retinopathy?

The hallmark of proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) is neovascularization (NV) which occurs at the latter stages of the disease and can result in blindness; NV is the consequence of abnormal fibrovascular proliferations with subsequent bleeding and retinal detachment [5].

What causes proliferative retinopathy?

Fluids, fats and proteins leak out of the abnormal blood vessels. Fluid can collect in the retina. This swelling impairs sharp vision. In proliferative retinopathy, new, structurally unstable blood vessels grow on the surface of the retina.

Does retinopathy always lead to blindness?

Diabetic retinopathy is a complication of diabetes, caused by high blood sugar levels damaging the back of the eye (retina). It can cause blindness if left undiagnosed and untreated. However, it usually takes several years for diabetic retinopathy to reach a stage where it could threaten your sight.

What is the best treatment for diabetic retinopathy?

Treatments for advanced diabetic retinopathy

• laser treatment – to treat the growth of new blood vessels at the back of the eye (retina) in cases of proliferative diabetic retinopathy, and to stabilise some cases of maculopathy.
• eye injections – to treat severe maculopathy that's threatening your sight.

How fast does diabetic retinopathy progress?

90% of diabetes is type 2, and 50% of type 2 patients eventually need insulin 5-10 years after becoming diabetic. After converting to insulin, of those who developed or already had retinopathy, 60% progressed in the first year, 20 % the second, as shown.

Is diabetic retinopathy a disability?

Diabetic Retinopathy

Listing 2.00 Diabetic retinopathy states that if you have blurred vision or poor visual acuity (between 20/100 and 20/200 in your better eye), or poor peripheral vision from surgery to correct your central vision, you may qualify for “automatic” SSDI disability benefits under this listing.

What does a person with diabetic retinopathy see?

As the condition progresses, diabetic retinopathy symptoms may include: Spots or dark strings floating in your vision (floaters) Blurred vision. Fluctuating vision.

Can you still drive with diabetic retinopathy?

After lots of laser for diabetic retinopathy, you may notice a lot of glare and poor night vision. Many such people can see safely during the day, but have poor night vision. These patients are often legally allowed to drive as above, but are not safe to drive at night.

How is retinopathy monitored?

Diabetic retinopathy is best diagnosed with a comprehensive dilated eye exam. For this exam, drops placed in your eyes widen (dilate) your pupils to allow your doctor to better view inside your eyes. The drops may cause your close vision to blur until they wear off, several hours later.