What is Diabetic Eye Disease?

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People with diabetes can have an eye disease called diabetic retinopathy. This is when high blood sugar levels cause damage to blood vessels in the retina. These blood vessels can swell and leak or they can close, stopping blood from passing through. Sometimes, abnormal new blood vessels grow on the retina. All of these occurrences contribute to vision loss.

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There are two main stages of Diabetic Eye Disease:

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1. NPDR (non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy)

​This is the early stage of diabetic eye disease. Many people with diabetes have it. Tiny blood vessels leak, making the retina swell. When the macula swells, it is called macular edema; this is the most common reason why people with diabetes lose their vision. Macular ischemia is when blood vessels in the retina close off. All of these events can affect your vision.

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   2. PDR (proliferative diabetic retinopathy)

PDR is the more advanced stage of diabetic eye disease. It happens when the retina starts growing new blood vessels (neovascularization). These new vessels often bleed into the vitreous. If they only bleed a little, you might see a few dark floaters. If they bleed a lot, it might block all vision. These new blood vessels can also form scar tissue, causing problems with the macula or leading to a detached retina. PDR is very serious, and can steal both your central and peripheral (side) vision.

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What are the symptoms?

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In early stages, you may not know you have Diabetic Eye Disease as it has no symptoms. As it gets worse, you may experiences symptoms such as:

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• seeing an increasing number of floaters,

• having blurry vision

• having vision that changes sometimes from blurry to clear

• seeing blank or dark areas in your field of vision

• having poor night vision

• noticing colors appear faded or washed out losing vision

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What are the treatment options?

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Your treatment is based on what your ophthalmologist sees in your eyes. Treatments include:

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Medical Control:

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Controlling your blood sugar and blood pressure can stop vision loss. Take the medicine your doctor prescribed for you. Sometimes, good sugar control can even bring some of your vision back. Controlling your blood pressure and maintaining a good diet keeps your eye’s blood vessels healthy.

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Laser Surgery:

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Laser surgery might be used to help seal off leaking blood vessels. This can reduce swelling of the retina. Laser surgery can also help shrink blood vessels and prevent them from growing again. Sometimes more than one treatment is needed.

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*For more information, visit: https://www.aao.org/eye-health/diseases/what-is-diabetic-retinopathy​

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If you are experiencing any symptoms or want to see what treatments are right for you please contact us to make an appointment.

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