Did you know that diabetic retinopathy is the leading cause of vision loss in adults aged 18-64? This serious eye disease occurs when high blood sugar levels damage the blood vessels in the retina, leading to potential blindness if left untreated.
At Everett & Hurite, we specialize in comprehensive eye care for patients with diabetes, offering early detection, advanced treatments, and personalized guidance to protect your vision. Schedule an appointment today to safeguard your eyesight.
Read on to learn more about diabetic retinopathy, its symptoms, and effective ways to prevent vision loss.
Understanding Diabetic Retinopathy and its Progression
Diabetic retinopathy refers to a group of eye conditions that affect people with diabetes. It occurs when high blood sugar levels damage the small blood vessels in the retina, causing them to leak or become blocked.
The retina is a thin layer of tissue located at the back of the eye that converts light into signals for the brain to process into visual images. When the blood vessels in the retina are damaged, they can no longer supply enough oxygen and nutrients to support healthy vision.
There are two main stages of diabetic retinopathy:
- Non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR): In this early stage, small blood vessels in the retina may begin to leak fluid or swell, causing changes in vision.
- Proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR): In this advanced stage, new blood vessels grow on the surface of the retina, which can lead to severe vision loss or blindness if left untreated.
It's crucial to catch diabetic retinopathy early and prevent it from progressing to the later stages. This is why regular eye exams are essential for people with diabetes.
Impact of Blood Sugar Levels on Eye Health
High blood sugar levels can damage the small blood vessels inside the eye, including those in the retina. The longer someone has diabetes and the less controlled their blood sugar levels are, the greater their risk of developing diabetic retinopathy.
According to the American Diabetes Association, controlling blood sugar levels is critical in reducing the risk of developing eye complications related to diabetes.
Symptoms and Signs to Monitor
In its early stages, diabetic retinopathy may not cause noticeable symptoms. However, as the disease progresses, some common signs and symptoms may include:
- Blurred vision
- Spots or floaters in your vision
- Dark or empty areas in your vision
- Fluctuating vision
- Difficulty seeing at night
If you experience any changes in your vision, it's essential to schedule an eye exam with a qualified ophthalmologist.
4 Ways to Protect Your Vision from Diabetic Retinopathy
1. Schedule Regular Eye Exams
Diabetic retinopathy often progresses without symptoms in its early stages. Annual eye exams help detect retinal changes before significant vision loss occurs. Your eye doctor will evaluate the blood vessels in your retina to determine if any damage has occurred and recommend a treatment plan.
How Often Should Diabetics Get an Eye Exam?
- Type 1 Diabetes: Every year, starting five years after diagnosis.
- Type 2 Diabetes: Eye exams immediately upon diagnosis, then annually.
- Pregnant Women with Diabetes: Before pregnancy, in the first trimester, and as needed.
At Everett & Hurite, we use advanced screening technology to detect diabetic retinopathy at its earliest stages.
2. Control Blood Sugar, Blood Pressure, and Cholesterol
High blood sugar levels damage the small blood vessels inside the retina, increasing the risk of diabetic retinopathy. Controlling blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol is one of the most effective ways to protect your eyesight.
Tips to Maintain Healthy Blood Sugar & Eye Health:
- Monitor blood sugar levels regularly: Aim for A1C below 7% to minimize retinal damage.
- Maintain healthy blood pressure and cholesterol: High blood pressure worsens retinal blood vessel damage.
- Follow a diabetes-friendly diet: Prioritize leafy greens, lean proteins, whole grains, and omega-3 fatty acids for eye health.
- Exercise regularly: Physical activity improves circulation and stabilizes glucose levels.
- Take prescribed medications: Proper diabetes management reduces the risk of severe eye complications.
By managing blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol, you reduce the risk of severe diabetic eye complications significantly.
3. Adopt a Diabetes-Friendly Lifestyle
A healthy lifestyle is essential for slowing the progression of diabetic retinopathy and maintaining overall well-being. Here are a few tips to help you adopt a diabetes-friendly lifestyle:
- Quit smoking: Smoking increases your risk of developing diabetic retinopathy and other serious health conditions.
- Maintain a healthy weight: Obesity can worsen diabetes symptoms and increase the risk of eye complications.
- Limit alcohol consumption: Alcohol can interfere with blood sugar control and lead to vision problems.
- Protect Your Eyes from UV & Blue Light Exposure: Wear sunglasses with UV protection when outdoors and limit screen time to reduce exposure to blue light.
- Exercise Regularly: Regular physical activity helps control blood sugar levels and improves overall health.
4. Explore Treatment Options for Advanced Diabetic Retinopathy
If diabetic retinopathy progresses, intervention is essential to prevent further vision loss. Treatment options focus on reducing swelling, sealing leaking blood vessels, and slowing disease progression. Your doctor may recommend one or more of the following treatments:
- Anti-VEGF injections: These drugs help slow the growth of abnormal blood vessels in the retina.
- Laser Surgery: Used to seal leaking blood vessels and reduce swelling in the retina.
- Vitrectomy: In advanced stages, a surgical procedure may be necessary to remove scar tissue and clear cloudy fluid from the eye.
It's crucial to address advanced diabetic retinopathy promptly to prevent irreversible vision loss. If you have diabetes, make sure to discuss any changes in your vision with an eye doctor at Everett & Hurite as soon as possible.
Protect Your Vision with Expert Care at Everett & Hurite
At Everett & Hurite, we understand the importance of protecting your vision and overall eye health, especially if you have diabetes. Our team of highly qualified ophthalmologists and advanced technology allow us to provide the best possible care for our patients.
Contact us today to schedule an appointment and take control of your eye health. We are here to support you on your journey toward clear vision and a healthier life.
