Diabetic retinopathy is the most common diabetic eye disease and a leading cause of blindness in American adults. 4.4 million Americans age 40+ suffer from diabetic eye diseases, the most common being diabetic retinopathy. It is caused by changes in the blood vessels of the retina. Diabetic retinopathy can develop in anyone who has Type One Diabetes or Type Two Diabetes.
What happens when you have diabetic retinopathy?
The retina is a light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye. The retina contains cells called rods and cones which help convert light energy into signals that are carried to the brain by the optic nerve. A healthy retina is required for good vision. Unfortunately, for some people with diabetic retinopathy this isn’t the case. Some people experience blood vessels swelling and leaking fluid. In other people, abnormal new blood vessels grow on the surface of the retina.
A change to your vision may not be noticeable at first, those who suffer from diabetes are often symptom-free; however, diabetic retinopathy worsens over time and can cause vision loss. It’s possible to have it without knowing it because symptoms don’t occur until the condition has progressed, significantly. Symptoms can include spots in your vision, blurred vision, fluctuating vision, dark or empty areas in your vision, vision loss and difficulty with color perception. Diabetic retinopathy typically affects both eyes.
When blood vessels in the light-sensitive tissue in the retina are damaged, it causes a complication that typically happens with having diabetes. If you are diagnosed with diabetes, it is critical to regularly monitor blood sugar levels in order to decrease risks of developing diabetic retinopathy. Monitoring blood sugar levels helps minimize the risk because good blood sugar control can usually slow down the progression of diabetic retinopathy when it is in the mild or moderate stage.
Treatments
Treatments may be necessary as the condition progresses. Laser treatments help stop the blood and fluid leakage in the eye. Laser treatments also help shrink the abnormal blood vessels. Another option is a vitrectomy, which is used to remove blood and scar tissue from the eye. All options should be thoroughly discussed with a medical doctor in order to decide on the right option for you.
It is crucial to take preventative measures that include regulating your blood sugar and not skipping routine eye exams. Make an appointment with Dr. Greenbaum today.
Source: National Eye Institute & AAO