Diabetic retinopathy is one of the most common complications of diabetes and a leading cause of blindness among adults in the United States. The condition develops when chronically high blood sugar levels damage the tiny blood vessels in the retina, leading to leakage, swelling, and, in advanced cases, vision-threatening bleeding or scarring.
The good news: early detection and proper management can prevent most cases of severe vision loss.
Understanding How Diabetes Affects the Retina
Your retina relies on healthy blood vessels to function properly. Over time, elevated blood glucose can cause these vessels to become weak or leaky, affecting how the retina receives oxygen and nutrients.
There are two main stages of diabetic retinopathy:
- Nonproliferative Diabetic Retinopathy (NPDR): Early stage with small leaks or swelling in retinal blood vessels. Often symptom-free but detectable during an eye exam.
- Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy (PDR): Advanced stage where new, fragile blood vessels form and can bleed into the eye, leading to vision loss or retinal detachment.
Common Symptoms to Watch For
Diabetic retinopathy often develops silently. However, as the disease progresses, you may notice:
- Blurry or fluctuating vision
- Dark spots or floaters
- Poor night vision
- Colors appearing faded or washed out
- Sudden vision loss
If you have diabetes, even without vision symptoms, it’s important to have annual dilated eye exams. These exams allow your retina specialist to detect changes early—before vision is affected.
Treatment Options for Diabetic Retinopathy
The goal of treatment is to slow disease progression, prevent further damage, and, when possible, restore lost vision.
Treatment may include:
- Anti-VEGF Injections: Medications such as Eylea, Lucentis, or Avastin help reduce swelling and block abnormal blood vessel growth.
- Laser Photocoagulation: Seals leaky blood vessels and reduces retinal swelling.
- Vitrectomy Surgery: Removes scar tissue and blood from the vitreous gel to restore vision.
- Blood Sugar Management: Maintaining stable blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels significantly slows the progression of retinopathy.
Preventing Diabetic Eye Disease
Proactive management of your diabetes can dramatically lower your risk of developing diabetic retinopathy.
Protect Your Vision With These Steps:
- Monitor and maintain healthy blood sugar levels.
- Schedule annual dilated eye exams (or more frequent visits if advised).
- Keep blood pressure and cholesterol under control.
- Avoid smoking, which worsens blood vessel damage.
- Adopt a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
Diabetic Retinopathy Care in Tampa
At Retina Specialists of Tampa, we provide comprehensive care for patients with diabetes—from early detection to advanced treatment. Our retina specialists use state-of-the-art imaging technology to monitor changes in the retina and create personalized treatment plans to preserve your sight.
If you have diabetes, don’t wait for symptoms to appear. Schedule a diabetic eye exam today to protect your vision and maintain lifelong eye health.
