3rd January 2024

A 37-year-old woman presents to A&E with a 2-day history of painless loss of vision in her left eye

A 37-year-old woman presents to A&E with a 2-day history of painless loss of vision in her left eye. She is only able to detect hand movements in this eye. She has a background of type 1 diabetes, was diagnosed at the age of 11 and has recently delivered a healthy child 3 months ago. On examination, both pupils respond equally to light. Fundus examination shows vitreous haemorrhage, pre-retinal haemorrhages, fine new vessels on the retina, microaneurysms, dot and blot haemorrhages, macular exudates and cotton wool spots. What is the most likely cause of her visual symptoms?

Select the SINGLE most appropriate option from the list below. Select ONE option only.