Can You Have Diabetic Retinopathy and Not Know?
Originally published by The Retina Eye Center
Diabetic retinopathy is an eye condition that causes vision loss in people with diabetes. It affects the blood vessels in the eye, and specifically the retina. Diabetic retinopathy is caused by high blood sugar due to diabetes. Over time, too much sugar in the blood can damage blood vessels throughout the body, including the retinas. These blood vessels can leak fluid into the eye, causing visual distortion.
If you have diabetes or are prediabetic, you may be at risk for diabetic retinopathy, making it important to get a comprehensive eye exam at least once a year. Diabetic retinopathy may not have any symptoms at first, so it’s possible to be in the beginning stages of the condition and not realize it.
What Are the Symptoms of Diabetic Retinopathy?
The early stages of diabetic retinopathy don’t usually come with noticeable symptoms. Some people may notice subtle changes in their vision, like trouble reading or seeing objects far away. These changes may not be consistent at first.
As the disease progresses, blood vessels in the retina start to bleed into the vitreous (the gel-like fluid that fills the eye). This can cause dark floating spots in your vision or streaks that look like cobwebs. It’s important to seek treatment as soon as possible, as scars can form in the back of the eye and cause further damage. If left unaddressed, diabetic retinopathy can also cause diabetic macular edema, neovascular glaucoma, and retinal detachment, leading to permanent vision loss.
Additionally, some patients may not realize they have diabetes until they are diagnosed with diabetic retinopathy during a regular eye appointment. In fact, it’s estimated that nearly 23% of adults with diabetes are undiagnosed. If you believe you’re at risk for diabetes, you should see a retina specialist as soon as possible. Early intervention is key to preventing severe vision problems.
Your Diabetic Retinopathy Risk
If you have type 1 or 2 diabetes, you’re at risk for diabetic retinopathy. The longer you’ve had diabetes, the higher your risk is for developing the condition. By controlling your diabetes, you can lower your risk of diabetic retinopathy. Women with diabetes who get pregnant or pregnant women diagnosed with gestational diabetes are at high risk for diabetic retinopathy.
Diabetic Retinopathy Treatment
Treatment for diabetic retinopathy includes:
- Injections
- Laser treatment
- Eye surgery
Eye injections can slow the growth of the proteins that cause blood vessel growth. Laser treatments can also address the blood vessels, shrinking them to prevent leakage. If your retina is bleeding a lot or you have many scars in your eyes, your retina specialist may perform a vitrectomy. This surgical procedure involves removing the vitreous gel from the eye.
Schedule an Appointment With a Retina Specialist Today
It’s possible to have diabetic retinopathy and not know it. Because early detection leads to the best vision outcomes, it’s important to see a retina specialist regularly to check for the condition and treat it promptly if present. At The Retina Eye Center, our retina specialists are dedicated to providing the highest quality retina care possible. For more information or to schedule an appointment, contact us today.