What causes diabetic retinopathy?
Diabetes is a disease that affects the body's ability to produce or use insulin effectively to control blood sugar levels. Diabetic retinopathy, the most common diabetic eye disease, is the result of damage to the small blood vessels located in the retina (the light sensitive lining at the back of the eye) caused by high blood sugar levels for an extended period of time. Damage to these blood vessels can lead to vision loss.
Diabetic retinopathy is classified into two forms:
- Non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR) is the early state of the disease. Symptoms may include blurring but will be mild or non-existent in this form as the blood vessels in the retina are weakened. Weakened vessels may leak fluid into the retina, which may lead to swelling of the macula.
- Proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) is the more advanced form of the disease. At this stage, circulation problems deprive the retina of oxygen. New fragile blood vessels can then begin to grow in the retina and into the vitreous, the gel-like fluid that fills the back of the eye. The new blood vessel may leak blood into the vitreous, clouding vision. Other complications of PDR include detachment of the retina, due to scar tissue formation, and the development of glaucoma.
What are the symptoms?
You can have diabetic retinopathy and not be aware of it. The early stages of diabetic retinopathy often don't have symptoms.
However, noticeable symptoms may include:
- Seeing spots or floaters in your field of vision
- Blurred vision
- Having a dark or empty spot in the center of your vision
- Difficulty seeing well at night
How is diabetic retinopathy diagnosed?
The only way to detect diabetic retinopathy and to monitor its progression is through a comprehensive eye exam. This is why it’s recommended that diabetics have at least one eye exam a year.
At Center for Total Eye Care, all of our doctors specialize in diagnosing eye diseases and conditions utilizing the latest, most advanced diagnostic technology.
How is diabetic retinopathy treated?
The best treatment for diabetic retinopathy is to prevent it through strict control of your blood sugar. This may significantly reduce the long-term risk of vision loss. However, laser treatment may help slow progression of vision loss and restore some clarity. This treatment usually won't cure diabetic retinopathy nor does it usually restore normal vision. Without treatment, diabetic retinopathy progresses steadily from minimal to severe stages.