Diabetic Retinopathy: What You Need to Know

Diabetic retinopathy is a complication of diabetes that affects the eyes. It is caused by damage to the blood vessels in the retina, the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye. Diabetic retinopathy can lead to vision loss and blindness if it is not treated early.

Symptoms of diabetic retinopathy

The early stages of diabetic retinopathy often do not have any symptoms. However, as the condition progresses, people with diabetic retinopathy may experience the following symptoms:

• Blurred vision
• Hazy vision
• Difficulty seeing at night
• Difficulty reading
• Sensitivity to light
• Seeing halos or glares around lights
• Faded colors

Causes of diabetic retinopathy

Diabetic retinopathy is caused by high blood sugar levels. Over time, high blood sugar can damage the blood vessels in the retina. This damage can cause the blood vessels to leak fluid or bleed. It can also lead to the growth of new, abnormal blood vessels.

Treatment for diabetic retinopathy

There is no cure for diabetic retinopathy, but there are treatments that can help to slow the progression of the disease and prevent vision loss. Treatment options include:

• Laser surgery: Laser surgery can be used to seal off leaking blood vessels and destroy abnormal blood vessels.
• Injections: Injections of anti-VEGF medications can be used to reduce swelling in the retina and prevent the growth of new, abnormal blood vessels.
• Vitrectomy: Vitrectomy is a surgical procedure that removes the vitreous, the gel-like substance that fills the center of the eye. This procedure is sometimes necessary to treat severe cases of diabetic retinopathy.

Preventing diabetic retinopathy

The best way to prevent diabetic retinopathy is to keep your blood sugar levels in control. You can do this by eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and taking your diabetes medications as prescribed. It is also important to get regular eye exams, so that diabetic retinopathy can be detected and treated early.

If you have diabetes, be sure to talk to your eye doctor about diabetic retinopathy. Early detection and treatment can help to save your vision.