On this page, you’ll find everything you need to know about diabetic retinopathy.
What is Diabetic Retinopathy?
Diabetic retinopathy (the retina is a light-sensitive tissue lining the back of the eye that sends neural signals through the optic nerve to the brain) is a common complication for people with diabetes. High blood sugar affects the blood vessels that supply the retina, causing fluid leakage or blockage, and a gradual loss of vision accompanies the condition.
What are the Symptoms of Diabetic Retinopathy?
In the early stages of diabetic retinopathy, the affected person might not notice any symptoms until the condition progresses. Symptoms include:
- Seeing floaters in the field of vision (spots, strands, dark specks, or wavy lines appearing in the vision).
- Sudden vision loss.
- Blurred vision.
- Eye pain and redness.
- Difficulty seeing in the dark (night blindness).
What Causes and Increases the Risk of Diabetic Retinopathy?
High blood sugar due to diabetes affects the blood vessels that supply the retina, causing fluid leakage or blockage.
Anyone with type 1 or type 2 diabetes is at risk of developing diabetic retinopathy. The risk increases if the patient:
- Has had diabetes for a long time.
- Experiences consistently high blood sugar levels.
- Suffers from high blood pressure.
- Has high cholesterol levels.
- Is pregnant.
How is Diabetic Retinopathy Diagnosed?
The doctor will take a medical history and perform a clinical examination, and may request additional procedures as needed, such as:
– Dilated eye exam: This is a simple and painless exam, where you’ll be given drops to dilate your pupil, and then the eye is examined for detachment or other issues.
What are the Treatment Options for Diabetic Retinopathy?
Treatment is conducted through various procedures, as necessary, and may include:
- Laser therapy: Laser treatment is used to prevent the growth of blood vessels at the back of the eye (the retina).
- Eye injections.
- Eye surgery: Performed to remove bleeding or scars from the eye, if laser treatment is unsuitable.
How Can Diabetic Retinopathy Be Prevented?
By maintaining blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels within the normal range can reduce the risk of diabetic retinopathy by:
- Engaging in regular physical activity. For more details, here’s your movement guide for life.
- Eating healthy. For more details, here’s your guide to vitamins in nature.
- Carefully following the doctor’s instructions regarding insulin or other diabetes medications.
- Having an eye exam once a year for people with diabetes.
What are the Complications of Diabetic Retinopathy?
Diabetic retinopathy can lead to other serious eye conditions, such as:
- Diabetic macular edema: Occurs when fluid leaks from blood vessels in the retina into the macula (part of the retina responsible for sharp central vision), causing blurred vision.
- Secondary glaucoma: Diabetic retinopathy may cause abnormal blood vessel growth outside the retina, preventing fluid drainage from the eye, leading to a type of glaucoma known as secondary glaucoma.
- Retinal detachment: Diabetic retinopathy may cause scar formation at the back of the eye, leading to the retina detaching from its place.
When Should You See a Doctor?
If you notice any changes in vision or any symptoms of diabetic retinopathy.
Frequently Asked Questions:
When should a diabetic person have an eye exam?
An eye exam should be conducted once a year for anyone with diabetes aged 12 or older.
