Estimated reading time: 5 minutes
Medically reviewed and verified by Kate Burke, MD, MHA
If you have diabetes, your eye health is something you want to pay attention to! Over time, high blood sugar can damage the tiny blood vessels in your eyes, leading to diabetic retinopathy. This condition can cause serious vision problems, and if left untreated, it can lead to diabetic macular edema (DME). This is a complication that causes swelling in the part of the eye responsible for sharp, clear vision. Both conditions can lead to blindness, but the good news is that early detection and treatment can help protect your eyesight. PatientsLikeMe has a breakdown of what you need to know about diabetic retinopathy and how to reduce your risk.
What is Diabetic Retinopathy?
Diabetic retinopathy is a complication of diabetes that affects the eyes, specifically the retina—the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye. It happens when high blood sugar levels damage the tiny blood vessels in the retina, leading to vision problems. There are two main stages of diabetic retinopathy.
Non-Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy (NPDR)
This is the initial stage, during which the blood vessels in the retina can weaken, swell, or leak. Many patients may not notice any symptoms, making it essential to keep an eye on changes through regular eye exams.
Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy (PDR)
This advanced stage happens when new, abnormal blood vessels develop in the retina. These fragile vessels can bleed into the eye, potentially causing severe vision loss.
Who is at risk?
Anyone with type 1 or type 2 diabetes can develop diabetic retinopathy, but certain factors can heighten the risk:
- Duration of diabetes: The longer you have type 1 or type 2 diabetes, the higher the risk. It's crucial to have regular eye exams It's crucial to have regular eye exams to identify the onset of diabetic retinopathy. Screening recommendations according to the American Diabetes Association Clinical Practice Guidelines are as follows: Adults with type 1 diabetes should have an initial dilated and comprehensive eye examination by an ophthalmologist or optometrist within 5 years after the onset of diabetes. People with type 2 diabetes should have an initial dilated and comprehensive eye examination by an ophthalmologist or optometrist at the time of the diabetes diagnosis. If there is no evidence of retinopathy from one or more annual eye exams and glycemic indicators are within the goal range, then screening every 1–2 years may be considered. If any level of diabetic retinopathy is present, subsequent dilated retinal examinations should be repeated at least annually by an ophthalmologist or optometrist. If retinopathy is progressing or sight-threatening, then examinations will be required more frequently.
- Blood sugar control: Persistently high blood sugar levels can significantly increase the risk. Keeping your A1C in check can help reduce complications.
- Blood pressure and cholesterol: Poor management of these factors can further elevate the risk of retinopathy.
- Pregnancy: Women with type 1 and type 2 diabetes may see their retinopathy worsen during pregnancy, making more frequent eye exams necessary.
Click here to learn more about type 1 and type 2 diabetes.
Symptoms
In the early stages, diabetic retinopathy might not show any symptoms. However, as it advances, you may begin to notice:
- Blurred or distorted vision
- Dark or empty spots in your field of vision
- Trouble seeing at night
- Changes in vision clarity
- Sudden loss of vision
If you experience any of these signs, it’s important to reach out to an eye care professional as soon as possible.
Diagnosis and treatment
Regular eye exams are key for detecting diabetic retinopathy early. An eye care professional will perform a dilated eye exam to look for signs of retinopathy. Other diagnostic tools might include:
- Fundus photography: This captures images of the retina to detect any abnormalities in the eye.
- Fluorescein angiography: This involves injecting a dye into the bloodstream to highlight blood vessels in the retina.
If you’re diagnosed with diabetic retinopathy, there are several treatment options available. Laser treatment can be used to seal leaking blood vessels or stop the growth of new, abnormal vessels. Injections of medication into the eye may help reduce swelling and improve vision. In more severe cases, a vitrectomy might be necessary to remove blood or scar tissue from the eye.
Reduce Your Risk
You can significantly reduce your risk of diabetic retinopathy by taking proactive steps to manage your health. This severe condition can lead to vision loss if not detected and treated early, making awareness and early intervention essential. By prioritizing blood sugar control and being attentive to your eye health, you can greatly diminish the risk of developing diabetic retinopathy and enjoy a healthier future.
If you have any questions or concerns about diabetic retinopathy, don’t hesitate to contact your healthcare team. Your vision is worth protecting! Nearly 1 million people have joined PatientsLikeMe. You can track your health, monitor treatment efficacy, and talk to people experiencing the same thing as you. Creating an account is free! Join today.