Diabetic Retinopathy Management

Diabetic Retinopathy Management

Diabetic retinopathy is a complication that can cause damage to the eye. This condition is seen in people who have diabetes and occurs when the blood vessels of the “light-sensitive tissues,” located at the back to the retina are damaged.

Diabetic retinopathy can cause minor problems with vision, but if left untreated it can even cause blindness. This condition can occur in a person who has Type 1 or Type diabetes and is often seen in people who have poor control over their blood sugar levels.

The Stages of Diabetic Retinopathy

There are four stages in Diabetic retinopathy, and they are:

• Mild Non-proliferative Retinopathy
• Moderate Non-proliferative Retinopathy
• Severe Non-proliferative Retinopathy
• Proliferative Retinopathy

Why Does Diabetic Retinopathy Cause Blindness?

Diabetic retinopathy damages the blood vessels, and it can cause loss of vision in two major ways.

The blood vessels that are fragile or abnormal can cause the blood to leak into the center of the eye, and this can cause blurred vision. Such a condition is called as proliferative retinopathy, which is the fourth and an advanced stage that can cause complete blindness.

In another case, the fluid present in the eye can leak into the macula, making it swell. This too causes blurred vision and is called macular edema. This condition can occur during any phase of diabetic retinopathy but mostly occurs as the condition progresses.

Risk Factors

People who have diabetes are at a higher risk of diabetic retinopathy. This is one of the reasons why those suffering from diabetes need to get an extended eye exam every year. The longer a person has diabetes, the higher the chances of diabetic retinopathy are.

The Symptoms

No symptoms are seen during the early stages of this condition. Once diabetic retinopathy progresses, there are a few symptoms you certainly need to look out for.

• Floaters in our vision that look like spots
• Blurred vision
• Having a color impaired vision
• Loss of vision

Diabetic retinopathy is a condition that in many cases, affects both the eyes.

When Do You Need To See A Doctor?

One of the best ways you can prevent loss of vision is by controlling your blood sugar levels. If you are one of those who have diabetes, you need to see your doctor even when you have a fine vision. If you are pregnant and have diabetes, it is recommended you have additional eye tests during your pregnancy.

Give us a call right away if you see changes in your vision or have blurred vision.