Certified Paraoptometric (CPO) Practice Exam 2025

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What is diabetic retinopathy a result of?

Improvement in blood circulation
Damage from excessive sugar levels
Poor blood circulation associated with diabetes
Infection in the eye

The correct answer is: Poor blood circulation associated with diabetes

Diabetic retinopathy is primarily caused by damage to the blood vessels in the retina, which occurs due to prolonged high blood sugar levels associated with diabetes. Over time, elevated glucose levels can lead to changes in these vessels, resulting in a leakage of fluid and blood, or even the formation of new, but abnormal, blood vessels. This deterioration in the retinal blood vessels disrupts normal circulation, leading to vision impairment and potential blindness if not managed properly. While poor blood circulation does play a role in the development of diabetic retinopathy, the fundamental issue stems from the damage inflicted by excessive sugar levels. Hence, recognizing that diabetic retinopathy relates directly to the effects of high blood sugar helps clarify its primary causative factor.