Diabetic retinopathy occurs when diabetes weakens blood vessels inside your eye.
The retina collects and transmits light to the back of the eye and optical nerves to create vision. In healthy eyes, blood vessels nourish the retina. The vitreous -- a gel that fills the inside of the eye -- is clear. With diabetic retinopathy, weak blood vessels leak fluid into the retina and vitreous causing blurry, distorted vision and blindness. Also, new, distorted vessels may grow in the eye, then bleed, damaging the retina. In severe cases, the disease causes unclear vision and blindness.
You may have the disease and not know it. Usually there is no pain or outward signs. Gradual blurring or vision loss may be noticed over time, but symptoms may come and go. Other conditions may make diabetic retinopathy worse, such as pregnancy, high blood pressure and smoking.
Treatment
Regular eye exams help doctors detect eye changes and work to prevent vision damage. During exams, doctors ask about health and family history to determine your risk of diabetic retinopathy. Exams also may include tests to measure vision, and pupil dilation so doctors can inspect the inside of your eyes. Special instruments may be used to view and take pictures ¾ angiograms ¾ of your retina. Angiograms use special dyes to create detailed retinal images.
Patients can help prevent or control diabetic retinopathy by controlling diabetes, quitting smoking, and controlling high blood pressure. Most treatment plans include advice to follow a healthy diet, get regular exercise, take medicines as prescribed, and to check blood-sugar levels as often as your family doctor directs.
Treatment may slow disease progress, and sometimes restores vision loss. Treatment plans depend on individual conditions. Doctors may begin simply by monitoring your eye health and taking pictures of your retina. These pictures help doctors determine proper treatment.
Special Treatments
If your vision worsens, doctors may recommend special treatments to stop bleeding in blood vessels, slow new vessel growth, and preserve vision. Treatments might include:
- Laser treatments to stop fluid leaks and limit blood-vessel growth.
- Surgery to repair a damaged retina
- Surgery to remove the vitreous if it becomes filled with blood and clouds vision.
For a vision screening for diabetes, please contact Arizona Eye Care for an examination.