Diabetic Retinopathy and Diabetic Eye Problems

Microaneurysms physical weakening of the capillary walls which predisposes them to leakages. Hard exudates precipitates of lipoproteins/other proteins leaking from retinal blood vessels. Haemorrhages rupture of weakened capillaries, appearing as small dots/larger blots or 'flame' haemorrhages that track along nerve-fibre bundles in superficial retinal layers (the haemorrhage arises from larger and more superficial arterioles). Cotton wool spots build-up of axonal debris due to poor axonal metabolism at the margins of ischaemic infarcts. Neovascularisation an attempt (by residual healthy retina) to revascularise hypoxic retinal tissue.