Diabetic retinopathy is a condition that can develop when high blood sugar levels damage the tiny blood vessels in the retina. Without treatment, this can lead to vision problems and even permanent vision loss.
Understanding the risks and symptoms of diabetic retinopathy can help you prevent vision loss. Early detection and treatment are vital to preserving as much of your vision as possible.
Keep reading to learn more about what the symptoms of diabetic retinopathy are.
What is Diabetic Retinopathy?
Excess blood sugar from diabetes can cause blood vessels in the retina to swell and leak. They may even close altogether, preventing blood from passing through.
The damaged vessels can also cause scar tissue in the retina. As damage progresses, the retina will grow new, abnormal blood vessels to replace the damaged ones.
The abnormal vessels can cause even more damage to the retina. If you have diabetes, you’re at risk for diabetic retinopathy.
The risk grows the longer you have diabetes, even if your blood sugar is well controlled. That’s why comprehensive eye exams are a critical part of diabetes care.
Eye exams give your eye doctor the opportunity to look at your retinas and spot signs of damage. Identifying and treating diabetic retinopathy at the earliest stages can reduce the risk of vision loss.
What are the Symptoms of Diabetic Retinopathy?
The earliest stages of diabetic retinopathy may not cause any symptoms. Like many eye conditions, early damage typically doesn’t affect vision or lead to discomfort.
Vision changes may only occur when the condition has progressed to more serious stages, and once it has occurred, the damage is often irreversible. Common symptoms of diabetic retinopathy include:
- Blurry vision
- Spots, strings, or dark shapes in your vision
- Trouble seeing colors
- Fluctuating vision
- Dark or empty areas in your vision
- Vision loss
However, these symptoms are not exclusive to diabetic retinopathy and could indicate other eye conditions like glaucoma or cataracts. If you are experiencing symptoms of diabetic retinopathy, it is essential to schedule an eye exam with your eye doctor at Metro Eye Care so they can evaluate your eyes and identify any signs of eye conditions.
Managing Diabetic Retinopathy
The best way to prevent, slow, and manage diabetic retinopathy is by keeping your blood sugar well controlled. You can work with your primary care provider and endocrinologist to set up a care plan that works for you.
This may include diet changes and insulin treatment. You should regularly have your A1C tested and make any needed changes to your care if your condition changes over time.
Eye exams can identify the earliest signs of diabetic retinopathy before you notice any changes to your vision. Detecting early signs could improve your prognosis and help preserve your vision.
To check for diabetic retinopathy, your eye doctor will give you medicated eye drops that dilate your pupil. This allows them to examine the inner structures of the eye and look for blood vessel changes.
If there are minor signs of diabetic retinopathy, you may not need treatment right away, and your eye doctor may ask you to come in for more frequent exams to monitor your eyes. They may suggest diet or medication adjustments as well.
If diabetic retinopathy continues to progress and starts to affect your vision, there are treatments available.
Intravitreal Injections
Intravitreal injections can stop new blood vessels from forming. Your eye doctor will inject the medications into your eye after numbing the surface with anesthetic drops.
Laser Treatments
Your eye doctor may use laser procedures to shrink abnormal blood vessels or stop damaged blood vessels from leaking. Treatments can be performed in your eye doctor’s office using a focal laser or a procedure called pan-retinal photocoagulation.
Surgery
If less invasive treatments are ineffective, a vitrectomy can drain excess blood and fluid inside the eye and correct any scar tissue that has formed.
Are you concerned about vision changes from diabetic retinopathy? Schedule an appointment at Metro Eye Care in Paramus, NJ, today!
