Diabetic retinopathy is a complication of diabetes that affects the eyes. It occurs due to retina blood vessel damage. Damage to the light-sensitive eye tissue can lead to poor blood flow, which can cause blindness. Anyone with type 1, 2, or gestational diabetes can develop the condition due to uncontrolled blood sugar.

The longer one has diabetes, the more likely they are to develop retinopathy. An eye doctor can easily diagnose the disease during an eye exam. It is essential to find out the warning signs of diabetic retinopathy.

Causes of Diabetic Retinopathy

Too much blood sugar can cause blockage of the blood vessels that are vital for nourishing the retina. It cuts off blood supply, causing the eye to attempt to grow new, abnormal vessels that leak easily. Non-proliferative diabetes-related retinopathy (NPDR), or early-stage diabetic retinopathy, occurs when blood vessels leak into the retina.

Over time, the blood vessels close, affecting blood flow. Proliferative diabetes-related retinopathy (PDR), or advanced diabetic retinopathy, occurs as the disease progresses. It can result in retinal detachment and vision loss. 

Warning Signs of Diabetic Retinopathy

Most people do not develop symptoms of the condition in the early stages. As it progresses, patients develop the following symptoms:

• Blurred or wavy vision

• Spots or floaters in the visual field

• Empty or dark areas in the vision

• Fluctuating or frequent vision changes

• Light and color fluctuations

• Vision loss

Preventing Diabetes Retinopathy

Managing diabetes is the best way to prevent loss of vision. If you have diabetes, getting regular dilated eye exams is vital. If you are pregnant, the doctor may recommend frequent exams throughout the pregnancy.

Ensure that you follow your doctor’s instructions on managing your diabetes. Monitor your blood sugar and control your cholesterol and blood pressure. Contact your eye doctor immediately if you notice changes in your vision. Early intervention can help protect it.

Risk Factors of Diabetic Retinopathy

Anyone with diabetes can develop retinopathy, but some people have an increased risk. Risk factors include the following:

• Being of African, Hispanic, or Native American origin

• Having diabetes over a long period

• Poor blood sugar control

• Having high cholesterol levels

• Having high blood pressure

• Smoking

• Pregnancy

Treating Diabetic Retinopathy

Treatment of the condition largely depends on the stage or type of retinopathy and the severity. The goal of treatment is to stop or slow the progression of the disease. In many cases, early diabetic retinopathy may not require immediate treatment, but the doctor monitors the eyes regularly. It helps determine when treatment may be required.

Advanced diabetic retinopathy requires prompt treatment. Options include injected medications, photocoagulation or laser treatment, and vitrectomy or surgical tissue removal.

Diabetes is a lifelong condition, which means diabetic retinopathy has no cure but can be managed. Early treatment of diabetic retinopathy is vital to prevent blindness. Eye doctors consider several factors when creating treatment plans. They consider the patient’s age, medical history, visual acuity, and the severity of retinal damage. Diabetes can cause other eye diseases, such as glaucoma, cataracts, and retinal detachment.

For more about the warning signs of diabetic retinopathy, visit Eastside Eye Physicians, PC, at our Shelby Township or St. Clair Shores, Michigan office. Call (586) 247-2020 or (586) 774-2020 to schedule an appointment today.