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Diabetic Retinopathy

A serious complication of diabetes that can lead to blindness.

According to the CDC, nearly one third of adults over 40 who have diabetes are dealing with diabetic retinopathy. And unfortunately, the rates are even higher in African- and Mexican-American communities.

If you suffer from diabetes, call D'Allura Eye Care today or schedule an appointment online for a comprehensive eye exam.

What is diabetic retinopathy?

Diabetic retinopathy is a complication of diabetes that can really do some damage to your eyes – its the leading cause of vision loss in people with diabetes.

It starts when high blood sugar levels start to cause damage to the blood vessels at the back of the eye (the retina) – this causes all sorts of problems like bleeding and swelling, and makes abnormal blood vessels grow in all the wrong places. The longer youve had diabetes and the worse your blood sugar levels are, the more likely you are to end up with this eye problem.

What are the symptoms of diabetic retinopathy?

Even though it is an eye condition, diabetic retinopathy often starts off with very few, or even no symptoms at all – it can be pretty sneaky, and you might just put it down to other problems. But if you dont do anything about it, its a recipe for blindness.

The thing is, anyone with type 1 or type 2 diabetes can get diabetic retinopathy – which is why its so important to get your eyes checked regularly.

Its usually both eyes that are affected by the disease, and as it gets worse, some people start to notice things like:

  • Black holes in their field of vision
  • Their vision starts to go in and out
  • You start seeing these strings and or blobs in your vision (floaters)
  • Just a general loss of vision
  • A reduction in the colours you see

The best way to stop vision loss is to get your diabetes under control – under the care of a med pro, with regular visits to the eye doc as part of your treatment plan.

Even if you are seeing your eye doctor on a yearly basis as recommended, if you notice the sudden appearance of the symptoms noted above, make an appointment right away.

What complications arise from diabetic retinopathy?

Because diabetic retinopathy causes the retina’s blood vessels to bleed and grow abnormally, vision problems are common. You could experience one or more of the following complications:

  • Vitreous hemorrhage – The vitreous is the clear, gel-like substance that fills the center of the eye. When diabetic retinopathy causes abnormal blood vessels to form and bleed into the vitreous, it can result in floaters, blurred vision, or in severe cases, total vision loss.
  • Retinal detachment – The abnormal blood vessels associated with diabetic retinopathy can trigger scar tissue formation, which may pull the retina away from the back of the eye. Warning signs include flashes of light, floating spots, or sudden loss of vision.
  • Glaucoma – When new blood vessels grow in the front of the eye, they can interfere with normal fluid drainage and cause intraocular pressure to rise. Left untreated, this pressure can damage the optic nerve and lead to permanent vision loss.
  • Blindness – In advanced cases, diabetic retinopathy and its complications can result in complete vision loss.

At D’Allura Eye Care, we’re committed to helping our patients maintain healthy vision throughout their lives. Call us today or schedule an appointment online to learn more about diabetic retinopathy and how we can help.

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