In honor of Diabetic Eye Disease Awareness Month, consider taking the time to educate yourself on diabetic retinopathy. This condition is the most common type of diabetic eye disease and is the leading cause of blindness in American adults. By learning the symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of this condition, you can understand your own risk. In addition to reading this guide, talk to your eye doctor about how your diabetes can affect your eye health.

What to Know About Diabetic Retinopathy

What Is Diabetic Retinopathy?

Diabetic retinopathy occurs when high blood sugar levels harm the blood vessels in the retina. This damage can cause blood to stop flowing in the eye, or it can cause the vessels to leak and swell. Over time, this condition can lead to blindness. According to the CDC, about one-third of adults over 40 with diabetes have diabetic retinopathy. 

What Are the Signs & Symptoms of This Condition?

Individuals with diabetic retinopathy may not have symptoms in the early stages of the disease. However, they will notice signs as the condition worsens. According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, progressive symptoms include blurry vision, poor night vision, and blank spots in vision. Those with this condition may also see an increasing number of floaters, washed out colors, and images that change from blurry to clear. These symptoms will generally appear in both eyes.  

How Is Diabetic Retinopathy Diagnosed?

The best way to diagnose diabetic retinopathy is through a comprehensive dilated eye exam. During this process, the eye doctor will dilate your pupils and use an instrument to see inside your eye. The doctor will look for swelling, abnormal blood vessels, bleeding, retinal detachment, optic nerve abnormalities, and growth of new blood vessels. They may also perform a vision test to check for additional vision damage. 

Is There Anything You Can Do to Slow the Progression?

Patients can slow the progression of diabetic retinopathy by managing their diabetes. If you are diagnosed with this condition, talk to your eye doctor and primary care physician about how to control your blood sugar levels and improve your lifestyle. It’s also important to schedule regular eye exams, so your eye doctor can closely monitor the progression. If the disease continues to progress, they can treat it through laser therapy, injections, and other procedures. 

To learn more about diabetic retinopathy and other eye conditions, make an appointment at Medical Eye Center in Columbia, MD. This team of experienced eye doctors and staff take a holistic approach to your ocular wellness, providing comprehensive eye exams and eye health education. With six ophthalmologists on staff, they often communicate with primary care doctors to tie eye care into overall wellness. And to help you feel your best, this facility also offers cosmetic procedures such as dermal fillers and Botox injections. To view a full list of services, you can visit them online. You can also make an appointment at (410) 997-9900 today.