Diabetes is a condition that affects millions of Americans, and one of its most serious complications is diabetic retinopathy. This disease is a leading cause of vision loss among adults of working age. Understanding how this eye disease is diagnosed, who is at risk, and what happens next can make a significant difference in preserving your vision.
 

What Is Diabetic Retinopathy?

Diabetic retinopathy is an eye disease that occurs when chronically high blood sugar levels damage the tiny blood vessels in the retina, the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye. Over time, this damage can lead to vision problems and even blindness if left untreated. Diabetic retinopathy often develops without early warning signs, making regular eye exams essential for those living with diabetes.
 

Who Is at Risk?

Anyone with type 1 or type 2 diabetes is at risk for diabetic retinopathy. The risk increases the longer you have diabetes and the less controlled your blood sugar levels are. Additional risk factors include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, pregnancy, and tobacco use. Because early stages may have no symptoms, even those who feel their vision is fine should have regular comprehensive eye exams.
 

How Is Diabetic Retinopathy Diagnosed?

Diagnosis of diabetic retinopathy is performed by an ophthalmologist, a medical doctor who specializes in eye diseases and surgical procedures. The process typically involves:
 

•         Dilated Eye Exam: Your ophthalmologist will use special drops to dilate (widen) your pupils. This allows for a clear and thorough view of the retina and blood vessels at the back of your eye.

•         Digital Retinal Imaging: Advanced imaging techniques, such as fundus photography or optical coherence tomography (OCT), provide detailed pictures of the retina. OCT can show cross-sectional images, revealing any swelling, leaking fluid, or abnormal blood vessel growth.

•         Fluorescein Angiography: In certain cases, your ophthalmologist may inject a fluorescent dye into your bloodstream to highlight blood vessels in the retina. Special cameras then track the dye as it flows, helping to detect blockages, leaks, or abnormal new vessel formation.

Through these tests, ophthalmologists can identify even early or subtle signs of diabetic retinopathy, such as microaneurysms, hemorrhages, or retinal swelling, before symptoms become noticeable.
 

What Happens Next?

If diabetic retinopathy is detected, your ophthalmologist will discuss the findings and recommend a personalized treatment plan. Early-stage retinopathy may require more frequent monitoring and improved control of blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol. In more advanced cases, treatments may include:
 

•          Laser Therapy to seal leaking blood vessels

•          Intravitreal Injections of medications to reduce retinal swelling or block abnormal vessel growth

•          Vitrectomy Surgery to remove blood or scar tissue from inside the eye

Regardless of the stage, ongoing collaboration with your ophthalmologist and your primary care provider is essential to managing diabetes and preventing further vision loss.
 

Get Expert Care for Diabetic Eye Health

Diabetic retinopathy is a serious concern for anyone living with diabetes, but early detection and proper care can make a significant difference. By working closely with an ophthalmologist and staying on top of regular eye exams, you can reduce your risk of vision loss and catch any changes as soon as possible.
 

If you have diabetes, do not wait for symptoms to develop before seeking care. Reach out to Eastside Eye Physicians to schedule a diabetic eye exam and protect your vision. Contact our offices in St. Clair Shores or Shelby Township, Michigan, by calling (586) 774-2020 to book an appointment today.