Diabetic Retinopathy

It is the most common eye disorder among diabetics. It occurs when blood vessels in the retina swell and leak fluid. In some cases, abnormal new blood vessels may grow and block your vision. The condition is the leading cause of blindness among adults in the United States.

Many diabetics have a condition called nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy. It’s an early form of diabetic retinopathy. When you have high blood glucose and high blood pressure for an extended period, it can damage the blood vessels in your retina.

Damaged blood vessels in the retina can leak fluid and blood. In the early stages, it may not affect your vision. If your retina doesn’t receive enough blood, you may have blurred vision or see dark spots. As the condition worsens, the retina can become swollen and cause vision loss.

When left untreated, patients can develop proliferative diabetic retinopathy. Proliferative diabetic retinopathy occurs when blood vessels in the retina can no longer function. In response, the retina grows new blood vessels. These new blood vessels may blur or block your vision. The new blood vessels are weak and can’t supply the retina with enough blood. Eventually, the retina may detach from the eye. This can result in permanent blindness.

• Spots or floaters in your vision.
• Blurred vision.
• Blank or darks spots in your vision.
• Poor night vision.
• Faded or washed out colors.
• Partial or complete vision loss.

If you have diabetes, schedule regular eye exams to ensure that your eyes are healthy. The American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends the following screening schedule for diabetics:

• Type-1 Diabetics. Schedule an exam within 5 years of diagnosis. Follow-up with regular yearly screenings.
• Type-2 Diabetics. Schedule an exam immediately after diagnosis. Follow-up with regular yearly screenings.
• Pregnant Diabetics. Schedule an exam during your first trimester.

Diabetes can cause your vision to temporarily change due to fluctuating blood sugar. This is true even if you don’t have diabetic retinopathy. If you’re having problems with your vision, contact your ophthalmologist for a diagnosis.

An ophthalmologist can determine if you have diabetic retinopathy through a comprehensive eye exam. The exam may include:

• A visual acuity test. This test measures how well you can see objects and shapes at a variety of distances.
• Slit-lamp exam. Your ophthalmologist uses a specialized instrument to examine your eye structures.
• Dilated exam. Your eyes are dilated so your ophthalmologist can examine the retina and optic nerve.
• Ultrasound. If your doctor cannot see your retina because there is too much blood, you may need an ultrasound.

Treatment cannot cure diabetic retinopathy, but it can slow the progression of the disease. Without treatment, you may develop severe diabetic retinopathy and permanently lose your vision.

Laser surgery is an option for some patients. It is mainly used to prevent future vision loss. It can shrink abnormal blood vessels and reduce inflammation. Laser surgery is an outpatient procedure performed with a local anesthetic.

Your ophthalmologist may also recommend a more intensive surgical procedure called a vitrectomy. The procedure removes blood and scar tissue from your eye. It may prevent further bleeding and help your retina return to the appropriate location.

If you have diabetic retinopathy, always follow your ophthalmologist’s care instructions. A licensed ophthalmologist can treat diabetic retinopathy and help you preserve your vision.