Eye damage due to diabetes. Illustration of a cross-section through a human eye affected by diabetic retinopathy, a complication of diabetes caused by damage to the blood supply of the retina, the light-sensitive internal membrane that lines the back of the eye. This can cause the retina to detach (patchy areas) due to fibrosis. Haemorrhages (bleeding) may also occur, resulting in a reduction of blood flow to areas of the retina. Retinopathy impairs sight and can lead to blindness. The inset shows microaneurysms, abnormal blood vessels, haemorrhages, and exudate (fluid produced due to blood vessel damage). Unlabelled version: C029/5323.