What Is Diabetic Retinopathy?
Diabetic retinopathy is a complication of diabetes that affects the eyes and is one of the leading causes of vision loss in working-age adults. This condition occurs when high blood sugar levels damage the tiny blood vessels in the retina, the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye that’s essential for vision.
How Does Diabetic Retinopathy Develop?
Diabetic retinopathy progresses in stages:
- Mild Non-Proliferative Retinopathy: Early-stage damage causes tiny bulges in the blood vessels, known as microaneurysms, which may leak fluid or blood into the retina.
- Moderate to Severe Non-Proliferative Retinopathy: As the damage worsens, blood vessels can become blocked, depriving parts of the retina of oxygen and nutrients.
- Proliferative Retinopathy: In advanced stages, the retina tries to grow new blood vessels, but these are often weak and prone to leaking. This can lead to severe complications like vitreous hemorrhage, retinal detachment, and even blindness.
Symptoms of Diabetic Retinopathy
In the early stages, diabetic retinopathy may not cause noticeable symptoms, making regular eye exams crucial for early detection. As the condition progresses, symptoms may include:
- Blurry or distorted vision.
- Floaters (spots or strings in your vision).
- Dark areas or blind spots in your vision.
- Difficulty seeing at night.
Prevention and Management
The best way to prevent diabetic retinopathy is by managing your diabetes effectively. This includes:
- Controlling blood sugar levels: Keeping your A1c within the target range.
- Monitoring blood pressure and cholesterol: High levels can worsen eye damage.
- Regular eye exams: Annual dilated eye exams can detect retinopathy early, even before symptoms appear.
Treatment Options
If detected early, diabetic retinopathy can often be managed to prevent vision loss. Treatment options include:
- Laser therapy: Seals leaking blood vessels and slows the growth of abnormal ones.
- Injections: Medications injected into the eye can reduce swelling and prevent new vessel growth.
- Vitrectomy: A surgical procedure to remove blood and scar tissue in severe cases.
Conclusion
Diabetic retinopathy is a serious but preventable complication of diabetes. Regular eye exams and proper diabetes management are key to protecting your vision. If you have diabetes, don’t wait for symptoms to appear—schedule an appointment with your eye doctor to safeguard your sight.