Diabetic Retinopathy
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What it is: An eye disease caused by damage to the retina’s blood vessels from diabetes. It is the leading cause of preventable blindness in the United States.
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Who it affects: Anyone with type 1 or type 2 diabetes with high blood sugar levels.
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Stages:
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Mild to moderate non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR): early vessel damage and leakage, may not have symptoms
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Severe NPDR: widespread poor blood flow in the retina
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Proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR): abnormal new blood vessel growth that can bleed or cause retinal detachment
Macular edema can occur at any stage and affect central vision.
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Symptoms:
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Blurry or fluctuating vision
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Dark spots or “floaters”
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Distorted vision
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Sudden vision loss in severe cases
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Treatments:
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Control of blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol
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Eye injections to reduce swelling and stop vessel damage
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Laser therapy for leaking or abnormal vessels
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Surgery for advanced bleeding or scar tissue
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Warning signs: Call us right away if you notice sudden changes, new floaters, flashes of light, or a shadow in your vision.
Annual dilated eye exams are the best way to detect problems early and protect your sight if you have diabetes. Contact us today for a consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Who is at risk for diabetic retinopathy?
Anyone with type 1 or type 2 diabetes can develop diabetic retinopathy. The risk increases with longer duration of diabetes, poor blood sugar control, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and kidney disease.
Q: Can diabetic retinopathy cause vision loss?
Yes. Diabetic retinopathy is a leading cause of vision loss in adults, but early detection and treatment can significantly reduce the risk of severe vision loss. Many patients preserve good vision with proper monitoring and care.
Q: Can diabetic retinopathy be reversed?
Diabetic retinopathy cannot be completely reversed, but its progression can often be slowed or stabilized. With timely treatment and good systemic control, many patients maintain functional vision.
Q: How often should patients with diabetes have eye exams?
Most patients with diabetes should have a dilated eye exam at least once a year. Some patients may need more frequent visits depending on disease severity or treatment needs.
Q: Why is early detection important in diabetic retinopathy?
Because diabetic retinopathy often has no early symptoms, regular screening allows problems to be identified before vision is affected. Early treatment is one of the most effective ways to protect long-term vision.
