What Is Diabetic Retinopathy?

Causes of Diabetic Retinopathy

If a diabetic person has a high blood sugar level for too long it can result in swelling of the small blood vessels around the retina. Eventually, your eye may begin to grow new blood vessels, but they’ll be abnormal, and underdeveloped. Since the new vessels are weak, there is the possibility of blood and fluid leaking into the retina. As the condition progresses, more blood vessels can become blocked, forming scar tissue. The extra pressure can eventually cause your retina to tear or detach, which may lead to blindness. Anybody with diabetes is at risk for getting diabetic retinopathy. However, there are a few factors that may put you at higher risk, including:

Poorly or incorrectly managed blood sugar levels
High blood pressure
High cholesterol
Pregnancy
Tobacco use

Symptoms of Diabetic Retinopathy

You may not experience diabetic retinopathy symptoms until the condition becomes more serious. Symptoms may include:

Floaters
Blurry vision due to diabetes
Dark areas in your field of vision
Sudden color blindness
Vision loss
Diabetic blindness

How To Prevent Diabetic Retinopathy

Many people with diabetes have some degree of diabetic retinopathy and may not know it. Working with your primary physician to regulate your blood sugar and blood pressure levels can help slow down this condition, or stop it all together. Other steps you can take to prevent diabetic retinopathy include:

Scheduling an annual eye exam to track the health of your eyes
Going in for a comprehensive eye exam if you’re pregnant and have diabetes
Avoid smoking and tobacco products

Diabetic Retinopathy Treatment

Treatment for diabetic retinopathy will depend on the type and severity of the complication. The first step will require that the person see a doctor to help regulate their diabetes and slow the development of diabetic retinopathy. In mild cases, a doctor may decide to monitor the patient’s eyes carefully to see how it progresses. In more severe cases, the patient will need to have surgery immediately to prevent vision loss or blindness.

Book an eye exam in 4 easy steps

Choose your location

Select how many patients

Schedule an eye exam

Add to calendar

Book an eye exam now