What is Diabetic Retinopathy?
Diabetic retinopathy is an eye disease where high levels of blood sugar associated with diabetes cause damage to the small blood vessels that supply the retina and the retina itself. It affects half of all people diagnosed with diabetes and is a leading cause of blindness in American adults.
Types of Diabetic Retinopathy
Non-Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy (NPDR)
The early stage of diabetic retinopathy with subtle symptoms. Characterized by microaneurysms in retinal blood vessels where tiny blood vessels within the retina leak fluid and make the retina swell.
Blood vessels can close off, preventing blood from reaching the macula. Can progress to macular edema or macular ischemia.
Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy (PDR)
The most advanced and serious form of diabetic retinopathy. New (weak) blood vessels actually grow on the retina or optic nerve in a process called neovascularization.
These weak vessels can rupture and bleed into the eye, potentially causing serious complications like vitreous hemorrhage, tractional retinal detachment, and neovascular glaucoma.
Understanding the Disease
Risk Factors
- • Having Type I or Type II diabetes
- • Prolonged poor blood sugar control
- • Longer duration of diabetes
- • Pregnancy (in diabetic women)
- • High blood pressure
- • High cholesterol
Symptoms
⚠️ Often no early symptoms - that's why regular eye exams are crucial
When symptoms do appear, you may notice:
- • Blurred vision
- • Vision changing from blurry to clear
- • Increased floaters
- • Dark areas in your vision
- • Poor night vision
- • Colors appear washed out
- • Central vision loss
- • Complete vision loss (advanced cases)
Key Complications
Macular Edema
Swelling in the central retina causing blurry vision and distortion
Macular Ischemia
Permanent central vision loss due to capillary closure
Diagnostic Methods
Dilated Eye Exam
Comprehensive examination of the retina
Fluorescein Angiography
Imaging to assess blood vessel damage
OCT Imaging
Detailed cross-sectional retinal images
Treatment Options
Early Stage Management
Controlling blood sugar (Hemoglobin A1C at 7.0 or less), blood pressure, and cholesterol, plus annual eye exams
Medical Treatments
Intravitreal medications (anti-VEGF injections like Avastin, Lucentis, or Eylea), focal laser treatment
Advanced Treatments
Pan-retinal photocoagulation, vitrectomy surgery to remove blood and scar tissue
Prevention & Management
- • Maintain Hemoglobin A1C at 7.0 or less
- • Annual dilated eye examinations
- • Control blood sugar levels consistently
- • Monitor and control blood pressure
- • Maintain healthy cholesterol levels
- • Follow diabetic management plan
Good News: Excellent Prognosis with Treatment
With proper treatment and care, there is a 90 percent chance of saving vision. Early detection and treatment are key to preventing vision loss from diabetic retinopathy.
Important for Diabetic Patients
Schedule annual eye exams even if your vision seems fine. Early diabetic retinopathy has no symptoms, but early treatment can prevent vision loss. If you notice any vision changes, contact us immediately.