November is National Diabetes Awareness Month and today we’re exploring diabetic retinopathy, the leading eye disorder caused by diabetes. While retinopathy is not exclusive to those with diabetes, diabetic retinopathy is the most common type of retinopathy and if left untreated, it can lead to vision loss or blindness.
What is diabetic retinopathy?
Diabetic retinopathy is an eye condition that causes damage to the blood vessels in the retina, the light-sensitive tissue at the back of your eye that converts incoming light to electrical signals via the optic nerve. Over time, too much sugar in your blood can lead to damage of the tiny blood vessels in the back of your eye that nourish the retina, causing the retinal tissue to swell.
What are the symptoms of diabetic retinopathy?
In the beginning stages, you may not have any symptoms. This is why at Lentz Eye Care we recommend anyone with diabetes to have a comprehensive annual eye examination with eye dilation to identify the condition in the earliest developments.
As the condition progresses, the following symptoms may be observed:
- Spots or “floaters” floating in your vision
- Blurred vision
- Dark or empty areas in your vision
- Vision loss
Contact Lentz Eye Care right away if you have sudden changes in vision or notice spotty or blurry vision.
Factors that increase risk of development of diabetic retinopathy
Any type of diabetes increases – Type 1, Type 2, or Gestational Diabetes – is at risk of getting diabetic retinopathy. Whether you have Type 1, Type 2, or Gestational Diabetes, these are all factors that increase your risk. In addition, the longer you’ve had diabetes, the more increased your risk of developing diabetic retinopathy. The best way to prevent vision loss from diabetic complications is to manage your diabetes and consult with your physician and optometrist regularly. Additional increased risk factors include pregnancy, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and tobacco use.
Manage Your Vision With Regular Checkups and Healthy Habits
While diabetic retinopathy cannot always be prevented, the best way to reduce your risk of severe vision issues with diabetes includes managing your diabetes as well as visiting your physicians regularly. In addition to managing blood sugar levels and blood pressure through healthy diet and exercise, ensure that you take insulin or other medications as directed. If you smoke or use tobacco, quitting sooner than later decreases your risk of various diabetic complications.
At Lentz Eye Care, we believe that caring for your eyes goes beyond regular eye exams. Our doctors are here to help work individually with each patient to help treat their unique vision health needs. If you have questions about diabetic retinopathy or your vision health, schedule an appointment today!