Diabetic retinopathy is characterized by capillary leakage, bleeding, and new vessel formation leading to scarring and vision loss; floaters may be present. Which condition matches this description?

Diabetic retinopathy is characterized by capillary leakage, bleeding, and new vessel formation leading to scarring and vision loss; floaters may be present. Which condition matches this description?

• A. Amblyopia
• B. Diplopia
• C. Diabetic retinopathy
• D. Glaucoma

Answer: (C)

This matches diabetic retinopathy. In diabetes, prolonged high blood sugar damages the retinal microvasculature, leading to leakage and hemorrhages. As ischemia worsens, the retina signals for new blood vessels to grow (neovascularization). These new vessels are fragile and prone to bleeding into the vitreous, which can cause floaters. The vessels also form scar tissue that can contract and pull on the retina, causing vision loss. Other conditions don’t produce this combination of capillary leakage, hemorrhage, neovascularization, and vitreous involvement. Amblyopia is decreased vision from abnormal visual development, not from retinal vascular changes; diplopia is double vision from misalignment, not retinal neovascularization; glaucoma involves optic nerve damage and pressure-related changes rather than the described retinal vascular pathology.

This matches diabetic retinopathy. In diabetes, prolonged high blood sugar damages the retinal microvasculature, leading to leakage and hemorrhages. As ischemia worsens, the retina signals for new blood vessels to grow (neovascularization). These new vessels are fragile and prone to bleeding into the vitreous, which can cause floaters. The vessels also form scar tissue that can contract and pull on the retina, causing vision loss. Other conditions don’t produce this combination of capillary leakage, hemorrhage, neovascularization, and vitreous involvement. Amblyopia is decreased vision from abnormal visual development, not from retinal vascular changes; diplopia is double vision from misalignment, not retinal neovascularization; glaucoma involves optic nerve damage and pressure-related changes rather than the described retinal vascular pathology.