Things You Need To Know About Diabetic Retinopathy

Diabetic retinopathy is an eye condition seen in people with diabetes. The condition is primarily caused by high blood sugar levels, which damage the network of tiny blood vessels that supply blood to the retina. It usually begins as a mild disease. Some people notice changes in their vision, such as trouble reading or trouble seeing distant objects. In the later stages of the disease, blood vessels in the retina begin to bleed into the vitreous fluid that fills your eye, which can lead to temporary or permanent vision loss.

Who is at risk of diabetic retinopathy,

Anyone with diabetes, whether type 1 or type 2, can develop diabetic retinopathy. Pregnant women with gestational diabetes are also at risk of developing this eye disease. After being diagnosed with gestational diabetes, you need to get an eye exam done without delay.

Some symptoms of diabetic retinopathy include:

• blurred vision on and off
• wave vision
• color changes that appear as floating spots
• poor night vision

Other serious problems diabetic retinopathy can cause are:

• diabetic macular edemaIt occurs when excess fluid builds up in the macula of the eye, causing blurred vision.
• Neovascular glaucoma: Generally defined as secondary glaucoma, this condition is characterized by the growth of new vessels over the iris.
• Retinal detachment: Diabetic retinopathy can cause scar formation in the back of your eye.

If not treated properly, all of the above serious complications of diabetic retinopathy can lead to permanent loss of vision in the affected eye.

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Treatment

Treatment highly depends on the condition of the affected eye. Depending on the complexity of the condition, your ophthalmologist will suggest laser treatments or surgical procedures and in some selected situations intravitreal injections may be recommended.

Usually, vision returns to normal as glucose levels settle. If blurriness does not go away when glucose levels are near normal retinopathy can be a major cause of blindness. An ophthalmologist can detect vision loss and other problems by examining a dilated eye and measuring the eye’s ability to focus and see details at near and far distances.

The best way to prevent diabetic retinopathy is to manage your diabetes. Keep your blood sugar levels in a healthy range by exercising daily, eating a healthy diet, and strictly following your doctor’s directions for your insulin and diabetes medications. Getting regular comprehensive eye exams is very important because early diagnosis and treatment can reverse the damage caused by diabetic retinopathy and prevent blindness.

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