Diabetic Retinopathy
Overview
Diabetic retinopathy is an eye condition that occurs when diabetes damages the small blood vessels in the retina, the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye. It is a leading cause of vision loss in working-age adults.
In its early stages, diabetic retinopathy usually causes no symptoms, so you may not know anything is wrong until damage is advanced. That is why regular dilated eye exams are an essential part of diabetes care. With early detection and good blood sugar control, much of the vision loss from diabetic retinopathy can be prevented. At Bespoke Eye Care in Chester Springs, we provide thorough diabetic eye exams and work alongside your medical team.
Symptoms
Symptoms depend on the stage of the disease.
Non-Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy (NPDR)
The earlier stage. Blood vessel walls weaken and may leak small amounts of blood or fluid. Most people have no symptoms, though some notice mild blurring.
Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy (PDR)
The advanced stage. Abnormal new blood vessels grow on the retina. These fragile vessels can bleed into the eye or form scar tissue. Symptoms can include:
- Floaters or dark spots in your vision.
- Blurry or fluctuating vision.
- Dark or empty areas in your vision.
- Faded colors or poor night vision.
Diabetic Macular Edema (DME)
Fluid can leak into the macula, the center of the retina, at any stage. This causes blurry or wavy central vision and is a common cause of vision loss in diabetes.
Causes & Risk Factors
Persistently high blood sugar damages the tiny blood vessels of the retina over time, causing leakage, swelling, blockage, or abnormal new vessel growth. Diabetes also raises the risk of cataracts and glaucoma.
Who is at risk?
Anyone with type 1, type 2, or gestational diabetes can develop diabetic retinopathy. Risk is higher with:
- Longer duration of diabetes.
- Higher A1c or poorly controlled blood sugar.
- High blood pressure.
- High cholesterol.
- Kidney disease.
- Smoking.
- Pregnancy, which can cause retinopathy to progress faster.
Why it matters
Untreated disease can lead to bleeding inside the eye, scar tissue, retinal detachment, glaucoma, and permanent vision loss.
Diagnosis
A comprehensive diabetic eye exam can detect changes long before you notice them. At Bespoke Eye Care, your exam may include:
- Dilated retinal exam: Drops widen the pupils so we can examine the entire retina.
- Retinal photography: Images to document and compare changes over time.
- Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT): Detailed scans that detect swelling in the macula.
- Visual acuity testing: Measuring how clearly you see.
People with diabetes should have a dilated eye exam at least once a year, or more often if recommended. We can share findings with your physician, with your permission.
Treatment & Management
Treatment depends on the stage, and protecting vision is a team effort with your medical doctors.
Managing Your Diabetes
Controlling your overall health is the most important way to prevent or slow retinopathy:
- Blood sugar: Work with your doctor to keep your A1c in your target range.
- Blood pressure and cholesterol: Keep both well controlled.
- Healthy habits: Don't smoke, stay active, and keep regular medical appointments.
What We Do
- Monitoring: Regular retinal exams and imaging to catch changes early.
- Coordination: Communication with your primary care doctor or endocrinologist.
Specialist Treatment
When retinopathy or macular edema threatens vision, we refer you to a retina specialist. Treatment may include:
- Anti-VEGF injections: Medication that reduces swelling and abnormal vessel growth.
- Laser treatment: Seals leaking vessels or shrinks abnormal ones.
- Vitrectomy: Surgery to remove blood or scar tissue from inside the eye.
Protect Your Sight Early
Bespoke Eye Care provides diabetic retinal exams in Chester Springs and can share relevant findings with your medical team with your permission.
Schedule Your Visit Call (484) 606-3937