top most diabetic doctors in yelahanka Stages of Diabetic Retinopathy Mild Non-Proliferative Retinopathy: Early stage with small balloon-like swellings (microaneurysms) in the blood vessels. Typically asymptomatic. Moderate Non-Proliferative Retinopathy: Blood vessels become blocked, leading to reduced blood supply to the retina. Severe Non-Proliferative Retinopathy: Extensive blood vessel blockages result in areas of the retina being deprived of oxygen, signaling the body to grow new, abnormal blood vessels. Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy: Advanced stage where new, fragile blood vessels grow abnormally on the retina and into the vitreous (the gel-like substance inside the eye). These vessels can leak blood, causing severe vision loss.