Diabetes is a condition that affects your body’s ability to properly manage and regulate blood sugar levels. Over time, high blood sugar levels can cause damage to your eyes, leading to a condition known as diabetic retinopathy.

It is a serious condition that can cause blindness if left untreated.

What Is Diabetic Retinopathy?

Diabetic retinopathy is an eye condition that is a common complication of diabetes. It occurs when high blood sugar levels cause damage to the blood vessels in your retina, the light-sensitive tissue at the back of your eye.

The damage can cause the blood vessels to leak fluid or bleed, leading to swelling or scarring of the retina. This can lead to vision problems and, in severe cases, blindness.

Who Is At Risk For Diabetic Retinopathy?

Anyone with diabetes is at risk for developing diabetic retinopathy. However, the risk is higher for people who have had diabetes for a long time, those who have difficulty controlling their blood sugar levels, and those who have high blood pressure.

Pregnant women with diabetes are also at risk for developing diabetic retinopathy.

Types Of Diabetic Retinopathy

There are two main types of diabetic retinopathy:.

Non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy
Proliferative diabetic retinopathy

Non-Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy

Non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy is an early stage of the disease that occurs when small blood vessels in the retina begin to leak or become blocked. This can cause swelling or fluid buildup in the retina, leading to blurred or distorted vision.

As the condition progresses, the blood vessels can become weakened and damaged, causing bleeding in the retina.

Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy

Proliferative diabetic retinopathy is a more advanced stage of the disease that occurs when the damaged blood vessels in the retina trigger the growth of new, abnormal blood vessels.

These new blood vessels are weak and can easily leak or bleed, causing scar tissue to develop. Scar tissue can cause the retina to detach from the back of the eye, leading to vision loss or blindness.

Signs And Symptoms Of Diabetic Retinopathy

Diabetic retinopathy often has no signs or symptoms in its early stages. As the disease progresses, you may experience:.

Blurred or distorted vision
Difficulty seeing at night
Floaters, which are small specks or spots that seem to float across your vision
Dark or empty spots in your vision

Prevention And Treatment Of Diabetic Retinopathy

The best way to prevent diabetic retinopathy is to keep your blood sugar levels under control and have regular eye exams. If you have diabetes, it is important to have a comprehensive dilated eye exam at least once a year.

During the exam, your eye doctor will dilate your pupils and examine the back of your eye for signs of diabetic retinopathy. Early detection and monitoring of diabetic retinopathy can help prevent vision loss.

If diabetic retinopathy is detected, your eye doctor may recommend treatment to prevent further damage to your eyes. Treatment options include:.

Laser treatment to seal leaky blood vessels or destroy abnormal blood vessels
Vitrectomy, a surgical procedure to remove scar tissue and blood from the center of the eye
Injections of medication into the eye to reduce swelling or stop the growth of abnormal blood vessels

Conclusion

Diabetic retinopathy is a serious condition that can cause blindness if left untreated. Keeping your blood sugar levels under control and having regular eye exams is key to preventing and managing the condition.

If you have diabetes, make sure to talk to your healthcare provider about managing your condition and preventing diabetic retinopathy.