What is the potential outcome of untreated proliferative retinopathy?

Proliferative retinopathy is a serious and advanced stage of retinal damage typically associated with conditions like diabetes mellitus. This condition involves the growth of new, abnormal blood vessels in the retina, which can lead to complications such as bleeding, scarring, and retinal detachment.

When proliferative retinopathy goes untreated, these abnormal blood vessels can hemorrhage into the vitreous humor or cause traction on the retina, which significantly heightens the risk of severe vision loss. The compromised integrity of the retina and the potential for detachment creates a situation where vision is not merely impaired but can deteriorate to a point where it becomes severely diminished.

Thus, untreated proliferative retinopathy can lead to permanent vision complications, including significant loss of vision or even blindness, reinforcing the understanding that early detection and treatment are critical in preventing these severe outcomes.