Diabetic retinopathy is a common eye condition that can occur in individuals with diabetes. It affects the blood vessels in the retina, the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye. When these blood vessels become damaged, it can lead to vision problems. If left untreated, diabetic retinopathy can cause permanent vision loss. Understanding this condition and how it develops is crucial for those managing diabetes.
In this article, you'll learn what diabetic retinopathy is, who is most at risk, and how the disease is managed.
What causes diabetic retinopathy?
Diabetic retinopathy occurs when high blood sugar levels damage the tiny blood vessels in the retina. Over time, these damaged vessels can leak fluid or bleed, causing the retina to swell or scar.
In advanced stages, abnormal new blood vessels may grow on the surface of the retina, leading to more severe complications.
There are two main stages of diabetic retinopathy:
Non-Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy (NPDR): This is the early stage where blood vessels in the retina weaken and leak, causing swelling and deposits known as exudates. Vision may not be significantly affected at this stage, but it’s important to monitor and manage it.
Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy (PDR): This is the more advanced stage. As blood vessels become increasingly damaged, the retina tries to compensate by growing new, abnormal vessels. These vessels can rupture, leading to bleeding in the eye and scarring that can cause serious vision loss or even blindness.
Symptoms of diabetic retinopathy
In the early stages of diabetic retinopathy, many individuals may not notice any symptoms. However, as the condition progresses, the following symptoms may appear:
Blurred or fluctuating vision.
Difficulty seeing at night.
Dark spots or floaters in your vision.
Trouble reading or recognizing faces.
Vision loss in the center of your field of view.
It's important to note that symptoms may worsen as the disease advances, which is why regular eye exams are crucial for people with diabetes.
How does diabetic retinopathy impact vision?
Diabetic retinopathy affects vision in several ways, depending on the stage of the disease. In NPDR, vision may be slightly blurry due to swelling in the retina, a condition known as diabetic macular edema. This swelling can make it difficult to read, drive, or perform tasks requiring detailed vision.
In PDR, vision loss becomes more significant as the abnormal blood vessels bleed into the eye. This can result in dark spots, floaters, or even complete vision loss if left untreated.
Who is at risk?
Anyone with diabetes—both type 1 and type 2—is at risk of developing diabetic retinopathy. Other factors that increase the likelihood include:
Poor control of blood sugar levels.
High blood pressure or high cholesterol.
Long-term diabetes (the longer you’ve had diabetes, the greater the risk).
Pregnancy.
How can diabetic retinopathy be prevented?
The best way to prevent diabetic retinopathy is to manage your diabetes effectively. This includes keeping blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels within a healthy range. Regular eye exams are also essential for early detection and management of any eye changes.
Here are some key steps for prevention:
Control blood sugar levels: Keeping your blood sugar under control is critical to slowing the progression of diabetic retinopathy.
Monitor blood pressure and cholesterol: Both high blood pressure and cholesterol can contribute to the worsening of diabetic retinopathy.
Quit smoking: Smoking can exacerbate diabetic complications, including retinopathy.
Schedule regular eye exams: Eye exams can detect diabetic retinopathy in its early stages before symptoms appear. Your eye doctor will dilate your eyes to examine the retina for any signs of damage.
Treatment for diabetic retinopathy
If diabetic retinopathy is detected early, treatment may not be necessary other than regular monitoring and managing your diabetes. However, in more advanced cases, treatments are available to slow or stop the progression of the disease:
Laser treatment: A laser can be used to seal leaking blood vessels or to shrink abnormal vessels in the retina.
Injections: Medications may be injected into the eye to reduce swelling or stop the growth of abnormal blood vessels.
Surgery: In severe cases, surgery may be required to remove blood from the eye or repair retinal detachment.
Protect your vision
Diabetic retinopathy is a serious complication of diabetes that can lead to vision loss if not properly managed. The key to protecting your sight is controlling your blood sugar levels, attending regular eye exams, and following your doctor’s recommendations for eye health.
At Northlake Eye, our team of skilled eye care professionals is here to help you navigate diabetic eye conditions with comprehensive care and advanced treatments. If you or a loved one has diabetes, schedule an eye exam today to ensure your vision is in good health!
Concerned you may have or be at risk of diabetic retinopathy?
Schedule an eye exam with one of our doctors of optometry today!
Give us a call or simply schedule online: Northlake Mall | Concord Mills | Biltmore Park | Asheville Mall
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