What Is Diabetic Retinopathy?
Diabetic Retinopathy is an eye condition that affects people with diabetes. Over time, high blood sugar levels can damage the tiny blood vessels in the retina (the light-sensitive layer at the back of your eye), leading to vision problems—and in serious cases, even blindness.
What Causes It?
When blood sugar is too high for too long, it can cause:
- Leaking blood vessels
- Swelling in the retina
- Blocked blood flow
- Abnormal blood vessel growth
These changes reduce how well your retina works and how clearly you can see.
Symptoms to Watch For
Often, there are no early symptoms—which makes regular eye exams critical. As it progresses, you might notice:
- Blurry or fluctuating vision
- Floaters (spots or strings in your vision)
- Dark or empty areas in your field of vision
- Sudden vision loss
How We Check for It
A comprehensive dilated eye exam is key. During the exam, we:
- Use imaging tools (like OCT) to view the retina
- Look for swelling, leaks, or abnormal vessels
- Track any changes from year to year
Managing & Treating Diabetic Retinopathy
- Early stages can often be managed with good blood sugar control and regular monitoring.
- Advanced stages may need:
- Laser treatment
- Eye injections
- Surgery (vitrectomy)
Stay Ahead of It
If you have diabetes, you should get a diabetic eye exam every year, even if your vision seems fine. Catching changes early can protect your eyesight long-term.
