3 Things to Know About Diabetic Retinopathy

Are you a diabetic? Are you experiencing a decline in vision or fluctuations in vision? Are flashes of light, floaters, or haziness disrupting your vision? In some cases, these symptoms can be signs of mild conditions with easy treatments. In others, they may be indicators of a more severe problem such as diabetic retinopathy. It is always a good idea to speak with a trusted professional at Eye Surgeons Associates if you are a diabetic or are experiencing these symptoms.

It is essential to understand some key factors that differentiate diabetic retinopathy from other ocular conditions. From identifying symptoms to understanding when it’s time to contact a doctor, we’re here to tell you everything you need to know about this condition.

1. Diabetic Retinopathy Can Occur In Anyone With Diabetes

Those impacted by a diabetes diagnosis can experience effects throughout the body, including effects on your eyes.

Elevated sugar levels in diabetes can lead to a blockage of blood flow in the retinal blood vessels, which stimulates the growth of abnormal leaky vessels. These leaky vessels can release fluid and blood into the retina and vitreous. Diabetic retinopathy often requires treatment to improve and preserve vision. Diabetic retinopathy may occur without symptoms, or you may experience any of the following:

• Blurred vision or areas of hazy vision
• Fluctuations in vision
• Dark strings and spots (also known as floaters) floating across your vision
• Impaired color vision
• Complete vision loss

2. Symptoms May Not Be Detectable Early On

Diabetic retinopathy can be incredibly difficult to detect in its early stages. Because of its nuanced development, patients who don’t regularly visit a professional may not realize the problem until severe symptoms occur. 

As such, we recommend visiting a specialist yearly. The team at Eye Surgeons Associates is trained to look for early signs of diabetic retinopathy, ensuring patients undergo treatment before visual symptoms or vision loss can occur.

So, even if your vision seems fine, remember to schedule those yearly examinations — especially if you’re living with diabetes.

3. There Are Treatment Options Available

Eye Surgeons Associates’ retina specialist can diagnose and treat diabetic retinopathy in the office using the latest medical solutions. Primary treatments used for the condition include:

• Blood Sugar & Pressure Control: Following a prescribed diet, patients can keep blood pressure and blood sugar levels healthy, preventing the condition from worsening.
• Medications: Advanced treatments can reduce swelling in the eye, lessening symptoms and improving vision.
• Laser Surgery: In some cases, laser surgery can be utilized to treat severe retinopathy.

If you or someone you know is experiencing has diabetes , don’t hesitate to contact Eye Surgeons Associates to schedule an appointment.

References:

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/diabetic-retinopathy/symptoms-causes/syc-20371611

https://www.healthline.com/health/diabetes/blurry-vision#diabetes-and-eyes

https://www.aao.org/eye-health/diseases/diabetic-retinopathy-treatment

Author

Eye Surgeons Associates Drs. Zuhair H. Peracha, Manal H. Peracha-Riyaz, Eric Zuckerman, Matthew Pieters, and Leila Siblani are dedicated to excellence in eye care and service. We utilize the latest treatment methods and procedures, including routine eye care, cataract surgery, glaucoma treatment, retinal disease management, diabetic eye treatment, and eyelid surgery.