There are some early warning signs of retinopathy that the diabetic might experience, and this is known as nonproliferative retinopathy. The diabetic most at risk for retinopathy is the person that has poor blood sugar control, which makes the small blood vessels in the eye become fragile.

These weakened capillaries can develop weakened spots, which are medically referred to as micro aneurysms. Then in this weakened state fluid is leaked into the macula. This is a part of the eye that is responsible for precise vision and when this occurs it is referred to by medical professionals as macular edema.