Understanding Diabetic Retinopathy and Its Impact

Diabetes is a chronic health condition that affects various body organs. People with diabetes risk developing diabetic retinopathy. This eye condition occurs when high glucose levels damage the eye’s blood vessels. It causes the blood vessels to swell and leak. They may close, preventing the flow of blood. Sometimes, new blood vessels develop on the retina. The condition can result in vision loss and permanent blindness. 
 

Developing Diabetic Retinopathy 

Diabetic retinopathy develops in two stages: NPDR, or nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy, and PDR, or proliferative diabetic retinopathy. NPDR is the early stage of the disease that affects most people with diabetes. This stage is characterized by leakage from tiny blood vessels that leads to retinal swelling. 
 

Swelling of the macula results in macular edema, which often leads to vision loss. PDR is the advanced stage where the retina grows new blood vessels. The new vessels are fragile and often bleed, causing vision problems or loss.
 

Symptoms of Diabetic Retinopathy 

Diabetic retinopathy does not usually exhibit symptoms in the early stages. As the condition worsens, patients experience symptoms such as:
 

• Blurry vision
• Increasing floaters
• Vision changes
• Dark or blank areas in the field of vision
• Poor night vision
• Colors appear washed out or faded
• Loss of vision

Diagnosing Diabetic Retinopathy 

Eye doctors use eye drops to dilate the pupil before examination. Dilation allows the ophthalmologist to see the inner parts of the eye. Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) allows the doctor to examine the retina. 
 

The machine scans and provides detailed images of the retina, allowing the doctor to check and measure macular swelling. Using Fluorescein angiography or OCT angiography, the doctor can examine the retina’s blood vessels to look for abnormal growths. 
 

Reducing the Risk of Diabetic Retinopathy 

There are things you can do to reduce the risk of vision loss from diabetic retinopathy. They include controlling blood sugar levels, avoiding smoking, and getting regular exercise. Schedule annual eye exams and keep your blood pressure and cholesterol within a healthy range. Consume a healthy diet and take your medications as prescribed. Getting timely treatment can help delay diabetes-related vision loss. 
 

Treatment for Diabetic Retinopathy 

During the early stages of diabetic retinopathy, the doctor may follow a wait-and-see approach. Doctors will usually recommend frequent eye exams to monitor the patient’s condition. Treatment options include:
 

• Medications: Doctors recommend medications to control blood sugar and blood pressure.
• Eye injections: They help to slow disease progression, which can improve vision. 
• Laser surgery: This helps to reduce retina swelling and shrink new blood vessels. 
• Vitrectomy: Eye specialists may recommend eye surgery to repair leaking blood vessels.

If not treated, the growth of new blood vessels can result in scar tissue formation, which can cause retinal detachment. 
 

Managing your blood sugar levels is the most ideal way to protect your eye health. Follow your doctor’s instructions and take diabetes medications as directed. Scheduling regular diabetic eye exams can help prevent vision loss. If you experience vision changes, visit your eye doctor immediately. 
 

For more on understanding diabetic retinopathy and its impact, visit Lakeview Optometry at our office in Monticello, Indiana. Call (574) 583-5531 to book an appointment today.