PDR (proliferative diabetic retinopathy)

PDR (proliferative diabetic retinopathy), is an attempt by the eye to grow or re-supply the retina with new blood vessels (neovascularization), due to widespread closure of the retinal blood supply. Unfortunately, the new, abnormal blood vessels do not re-supply the retina with normal blood flow, but bleed easily and are often accompanied by scar tissue that may wrinkle or detach the retina. PDR can cause visual acuity loss in three ways:

• Vitreous Hemorrhage Patients may develop a vitreous hemorrhage, in which blood may leak into the vitreous causing new dark floaters and/or a very large hemorrhage might block out most or all vision. Due to the individual healing processes of people, re-absorption of blood may take days, months, or even years, depending on the amount of blood present. If the eye does not clear the vitreous blood adequately within a reasonably amount of time, your ophthalmologist may recommend surgery (vitrectomy) to remove the blood.

• Neovascular Glaucoma In advanced and rare cases retinal blood vessel closure will cause new, abnormal blood vessels to grow on the iris and block normal flow of fluid out the eye, causing an increase in intraocular pressure.

• Traction Retinal Detachment
  Scar tissue associated with neovascularization can shrink surrounding tissue causing a wrinkle or tear, more severe visual acuity loss can occur if the macular region is affected.