Background Diabetic Retinopathy

(Non-proliferative Retinopathy) Is the earliest stage of diabetic retinopathy in the mildest form, fine blood vessels and retinal capillaries within the retina become narrowed, clogged and swollen, or form balloon-like sacs. These altered vessels leak blood and fluid (macular edema) causing the retina to swell or form deposits called exudates from the center of the retina called the macula.