Many people with type 1 and type 2 diabetes eventually struggle with vision problems, and when they do they turn to the professional healthcare team at Tri-State Eye in Middletown, NY, and Milford, PA. Their team of eye doctors offers specialized treatments to alleviate diabetic retinopathy and minimize the risk of blindness in people with diabetes. Here, they explain more about what diabetic retinopathy is and how it can affect you or your loved ones.

Tri-State Eye’s Diabetic Retinopathy FAQ Guide

Why Does Diabetes Affect Vision? 

The reason people with diabetes often have eye problems is because high blood sugar levels can damage the blood vessels in the retina—this is the main cause of diabetic retinopathy. Since many diabetics have high blood sugar levels, they naturally experience an elevated risk of developing vision issues. 

Are There Different Types Of Diabetic Retinopathy? 

Yes. Non-Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy (NPDR) and Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy (PDR) are the two main types of diabetic retinopathy. 

What Is Non-Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy? 

NPDR is the early stage of diabetic retinopathy. At this point, the blood vessels behind the retina have already started leaking blood or fluid, but the person may not actually notice any vision problems yet. Eventually people with NPDR can develop macular edema or macular ischemia and experience severe vision loss. 

What Is Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy? 

PDR causes new blood vessels to form over the retina and optic nerve. Unfortunately, the resulting blood vessels are usually accompanied by scar tissue. PDR can result in retina detachment, vitreous hemorrhage, traction retinal detachment, and neovascular glaucoma. 

How Is Diabetic Retinopathy Diagnosed? 

An eye doctor who specializes in diabetic eye problems can perform an eye exam to see if you have any signs of diabetic retinopathy. By dilating your pupils and performing a test using flourescent dye, they should be able to definitively diagnose the issue. 

If you have diabetes you should get tested regularly for diabetic retinopathy, and you should be aware that there are treatment options available if diagnosed. To find out more about treating diabetic retinopathy, call one of Tri-State Eye’s locations today. For Middletown, call (845) 703-2020 or for Milford, dial (570) 296-9696. You can also visit them online to schedule an appointment today.