What Should I Know About Diabetic Retinopathy?

If you have diabetes, protecting your vision is an essential part of managing your overall health. One of the most common diabetes-related eye conditions is diabetic retinopathy, a leading cause of vision loss among adults. Understanding what it is, how it develops, and how it’s detected can help you take proactive steps to preserve your sight.

What Is Diabetic Retinopathy?

Diabetic retinopathy is an eye disease caused by damage to the blood vessels in the retina, the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye. High blood sugar levels over time can weaken these blood vessels, causing them to leak fluid or bleed. In advanced stages, abnormal new blood vessels can grow, further threatening vision.

Who Is at Risk?

Anyone with diabetes - whether type 1 or type 2 - can develop diabetic retinopathy. Your risk increases if you:

· Have had diabetes for many years

· Have poorly controlled blood sugar levels

· Have high blood pressure or high cholesterol

· Are pregnant

· Smoke

The longer you live with diabetes, the greater the likelihood of developing retinal changes.

The Stages of Diabetic Retinopathy

Diabetic retinopathy typically develops in four stages, progressing over time if not properly monitored and managed:

· Mild Nonproliferative Diabetic Retinopathy
At this early stage, small areas of swelling form in the tiny blood vessels of the retina. Vision is usually unaffected, and most patients do not notice any symptoms.

· Moderate Nonproliferative Diabetic Retinopathy
As the condition progresses, blood vessels that nourish the retina may become blocked. Some patients may begin to experience mild vision changes, though symptoms can still be subtle.

· Severe Nonproliferative Diabetic Retinopathy
More blood vessels become blocked, depriving areas of the retina of adequate blood supply. This signals the retina to grow new blood vessels, increasing the risk of vision-threatening complications.

· Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy
This is the most advanced stage. Abnormal new blood vessels grow in the retina and into the vitreous gel of the eye. These fragile vessels can bleed, leading to severe vision loss, retinal detachment, or glaucoma if left untreated.

Early-stage diabetic retinopathy can often be managed with careful monitoring, making regular eye exams essential.

Symptoms You Shouldn’t Ignore

One of the most concerning aspects of diabetic retinopathy is that it often has no noticeable symptoms in its early stages. As the condition progresses, you may experience:

· Blurry or fluctuating vision

· Dark spots or floaters

· Difficulty seeing at night

· Colors appearing faded

· Sudden vision loss

Any sudden or persistent vision changes should be evaluated by an eye doctor promptly.

The Importance of a Diabetic Eye Exam

A diabetic eye exam is a comprehensive eye examination specifically focused on detecting changes related to diabetes. During this exam, your eye doctor carefully evaluates the retina, often using pupil dilation and advanced imaging to identify early signs of diabetic retinopathy before vision is affected.

For most patients with diabetes, a diabetic eye exam is recommended at least once a year, or more frequently if signs of retinopathy are present. Early detection allows for timely treatment and significantly reduces the risk of permanent vision loss.

Can Diabetic Retinopathy Be Treated?

While diabetic retinopathy cannot be reversed, it can often be managed successfully when caught early. Treatment options depend on the stage of the disease and may include careful monitoring, medical management, or referral to a retinal specialist for advanced care. Maintaining good blood sugar control, managing blood pressure, and following your doctor’s recommendations all play a key role in protecting your vision.

Schedule Your Diabetic Eye Exam at Eye Care Vision Center of Wauwatosa Today

Diabetic retinopathy is a serious but often preventable cause of vision loss. Understanding the stages of the disease and scheduling regular diabetic eye exams are critical steps in protecting your eyesight. Early detection and consistent care can make a lasting difference in long-term eye health.

If you have diabetes, don’t wait for symptoms to appear. Schedule your diabetic eye exam at Eye Care Vision Center of Wauwatosa by visiting our office in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin, or call (414) 296-9400 today.