Can Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy Be Reversed?
Proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) is an advanced stage of diabetic eye disease that can threaten vision if it is not treated promptly. It occurs when damaged blood vessels in the retina stop supplying enough oxygen to the eye, causing the growth of abnormal new blood vessels. A common question among people diagnosed with proliferative diabetic retinopathy is whether the condition can be reversed. While existing retinal damage cannot always be completely reversed, proliferative diabetic retinopathy can often be treated and controlled to reduce the risk of further vision loss. What Is Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy? Proliferative diabetic retinopathy is the more advanced form of diabetic retinopathy. High blood sugar levels can damage the small blood vessels that nourish the retina, the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye. As diabetic retinopathy progresses, areas of the retina may become deprived of oxygen. In response, the eye may develop fragile abnormal blood ve...