If you have diabetes, you may know that this condition significantly increases your risk of vision loss. Several eye diseases related to diabetes can make it challenging for you to read and see clearly in the dark. One of the most common diabetes-related eye diseases is diabetic retinopathy.

Diabetes-related retinopathy develops when small blood vessels within the eye begin to leak and bleed into the retina. The retina is composed of sensitive nerve tissues behind the eye that receives images and sends the information back to the brain. When the retina is damaged, people can experience blurred vision, clouded vision or even a complete loss of sight. 

Let’s discuss the causes and symptoms of diabetic retinopathy, along with a few treatment options that can slow the progression of this condition.

What Causes Diabetic Retinopathy?

Diabetic retinopathy develops as a result of chronic high blood sugar from diabetes. Over time, diabetes damages the blood vessels throughout the body. As the high sugar content within a diabetic person’s eyes begins to block the blood vessels, the eyes start to bleed and leak fluid. To mitigate this damage, the eyes regenerate new blood vessels that don’t function properly.

What Are the Symptoms of Diabetic Retinopathy?

If you have diabetes, it is essential to undergo regular eye exams with an optometrist to monitor your eye health and catch any issues before symptoms of vision loss begin developing. Most patients do not experience vision loss until the effects are severe. Early signs of diabetic retinopathy include:

• The development of color blindness or seeing faded colors
• Distorted vision
• Poor vision in dark environments
• Seeing dark spots
• Difficulties seeing objects from a distance or challenges reading

What Is the Treatment for Diabetic Retinopathy?

While there is no cure for diabetic retinopathy, proper treatment can prevent or delay vision loss. The sooner an eye doctor can identify diabetic retinopathy, the easier it is to provide effective treatment. Of course, people with diabetes must continue to regulate their blood pressure to prevent diabetic retinopathy from worsening.

If you have diabetic retinopathy, your optometrist may suggest one of the following treatment options:

• Laser treatment is the ideal option to prevent vision loss. However, this treatment will only prevent vision loss if completed before the retina is significantly damaged.

• Surgical removal of the vitreous gel may improve the patient’s vision if the retina hasn’t experienced severe damage. In most cases, this surgery is performed when the patient is experiencing retinal detachment or bleeding. Patients get the best results with this procedure if they do not have severe scar tissue.

• Anti-VEGF or anti-inflammatory medicine decreases the rate at which abnormal blood vessels develop in the retina. In some cases, these medications shrink new blood vessels in patients with diabetic retinopathy.

Protect Your Vision with Malkani Retina Center

Early detection is vital for the effective treatment of diabetic retinopathy. If you have any concerns about your eyesight, see an eye doctor as soon as possible.

If you need treatment for diabetic retinopathy or other diabetic-related eye diseases, you need high-quality vision care from retinal experts. Malkani Retina Center is ready to serve patients in Florida with locations in Fort Myers, Naples, and Port Charlotte.

For information on our services or to answer questions about your vision health, don't wait — contact our team of professionals today.