What You Need to Know about Diabetic Retinopathy

Diabetic retinopathy is merely an eye condition that can lead to vision loss and blindness in people with diabetes. If affects blood vessels in the retina- the light-sensitive layer of tissue in the back of your eyes.

For anyone with diabetes, it is always important to get a comprehensive dilated exam at least once a year. And this is easy to see considering diabetic retinopathy may not show any symptoms at first, but finding it early help you take steps to protect your vision.

As mentioned earlier, the earlier stages of diabetic retinopathy usually don’t have any symptoms. Some people tend to notice changes in their vision, like difficulty reading or seeing the faraway objects. These changes sometimes come and go.

As the disease progresses, blood vessels in the retina start to bleed into the vitreous. When this happens, you may see dark, floating spots or streaks that look like cobwebs. At times, the spots clear up on their own. Either way, it is essential that you get treatment right away. Skimp on this, and scars can form in the back of the eye. Blood vessels may also start to bleed again, or the bleeding may get worse.

If left untreated for way too long, diabetic retinopathy can lead to other serious eye conditions, including; diabetic macular edema (DME) and Neovascular glaucoma. DME happens when blood vessels in the retina leak fluid into the macula causing blurry vision.

As we conclude, you should remember that just about anyone with any kind of diabetes can get diabetic retinopathy. This includes people with type 1, type 2, and gestational diabetes. Your risk tends to increase the longer you have diabetes.

Over time, close to more than half of people with diabetes will develop diabetic retinopathy. Fret not, though, since it is possible to lower your risk of developing diabetic retinopathy by controlling your diabetes.

Women with diabetes who become pregnant, or women who develop gestational diabetes are at high risk for getting diabetic retinopathy. If you have diabetes and are pregnant, be sure to have a comprehensive dilater eye exam as soon as possible. You should also your medical practitioner if you will need additional eye exams during your pregnancy.

It is essential that you have a clear insight into the possible signs and symptoms of diabetic retinopathy to ensure you seek medical attention before things get out of hand.