Diabetic retinopathy classification

Classification

The disease is classified according to types of lesions detected on fundoscopy into non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR) and proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR). Diabetic retinopathy affect both eyes in parallel. NPDR is subdivided into mild and moderate-to-severe forms.

Mild NPDR

1. Microaneurysms
2. Dot and blot hemorrhages
3. Hard (intra-retinal) exudate

Moderate-to-severe NPDR

Is mild NPDR plus:

1. Cotton-wool spots
2. Venous beading and loops
3. Intraretinal microvascular abnormalities ( IRMA )

PDR

1. Neovascularization of the retina, optic disc or iris
2. Fibrous tissue adherent to vitreous face of retina
3. Retinal detachment
4. Vitreous hemorrhage
5. Pre-retinal hemorrhage

Some people develop a condition called macular edema. It occurs when the damaged blood vessels leak fluid and lipids onto the macula. The fluid makes the macula swell, which blurs vision.