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Diabetic Retinopathy
Diabetic Retinopathy is a condition occurring in persons with diabetes. It causes progressive damage to the retina, the light sensitive lining at the back of the eye. It is a serious complication of diabetes.
Diabetes is a disease that interferes with the body’s ability to use and store sugar, which can cause many health problems. Too much sugar in the blood can cause damage throughout the body, including the eyes. Over time, diabetes affects the circulatory system of the retina.
Diabetic retinopathy is the result of damage to the tiny blood vessels that nourish the retina. They leak blood and other fluids that cause swelling of retinal tissue and clouding of vision. The condition usually affects both eyes. The longer a person has diabetes, the more likely they will develop diabetic retinopathy.
Symptoms of diabetic retinopathy include:
In patients with diabetes, prolonged periods of high blood sugar can lead to the accumulation of fluid in the lens inside the eye that controls eye focusing. This changes the curvature of the lens and results in the development of symptoms of blurred vision. The blurring of distance vision as a result of lens swelling will subside once the blood sugar levels are brought under control. Better control of blood sugar levels in patients with diabetes also slows the onset and progression of diabetic retinopathy.
Often there are no visual symptoms in the early stages of diabetic retinopathy. That is why the American Optometric Association recommends that everyone with diabetes have a comprehensive dilated eye examination once a year. Early detection and treatment can limit the potential for significant vision loss from diabetic retinopathy.
Treatment of diabetic retinopathy varies depending on the extent of the disease. It may require laser surgery to seal leaking blood vessels or to discourage new leaky blood vessels from forming. Injections of medications into the eye may be needed to decrease inflammation or stop the formation of new blood vessels. In more advanced cases, a surgical procedure to remove and replace the gel-like fluid in the back of the eye, called the vitreous, may be needed. A retinal detachment, defined as a separation of the light-receiving lining in the back of the eye, resulting from diabetic retinopathy, may also require surgical repair.
If you are a diabetic, you can help prevent or slow the development of diabetic retinopathy with proper Diabetic Eye Care, including taking your prescribed medication, sticking to your diet, exercising regularly, controlling high blood pressure and avoiding alcohol and smoking.
Family Eye Care Center can diagnose Diabetic Eye Disease, including Diabetic Retinopathy, Diabetic Macular Edema, Cataracts, and Glaucoma with a comprehensive dilated eye examination. Regular eye health examinations are important to help identify Diabetic Eye Disease in its earliest stages when no vision-related symptoms may be present. With early detection and a comprehensive diabetes management plan, those with diabetes may be able to limit the effects of Diabetic Retinopathy and other diabetes-related eye conditions to help avoid vision loss. Let Dr. Craig help you maintain the best vision possible. To learn more or schedule an appointment, call Family Eye Care Center at (304) 636-9111.
Much of the educational information provided on this page has been adapted with permission from copyrighted resources provided courtesy of American Optometric Association (AOA) for use by its members. AOA is the leading authority on quality eye health and vision care, representing doctors of optometry and optometric professionals throughout the United States.
No information on this page, or any other part of this website, may be copied or shared in any manner without the prior written consent of the copyright holder(s). The copyright holder of the educational content on this page is American Optometric Association. The copyright holder of the content of this website is Family Eye Care Center – Elkins, West Virginia.
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