Which symptom is commonly associated with diabetic retinopathy due to retinal microvascular changes?

• A. Floaters
• B. Hiccups
• C. Hearing loss
• D. Nasal congestion

Answer: (A)

Diabetic retinopathy arises from damage to the small blood vessels in the retina caused by long-standing high blood glucose. This microvascular injury leads to microaneurysms, leaking fluid, and sometimes bleeding within the eye. As abnormal new vessels form and can bleed into the vitreous, patients often perceive moving spots, threads, or cobweb-like shapes—what clinicians describe as floaters. These floaters reflect changes inside the eye that can disrupt the clear passage of light to the retina and signal potential progression toward more serious vision problems, so they warrant prompt eye examination.

The other symptoms listed do not fit this retinal vascular disease. Hiccups, hearing loss, and nasal congestion point to issues outside the retina, such as gastrointestinal, auditory, or ENT concerns, and are not typical manifestations of retinal microvascular changes from diabetes.