Diabetic retinopathy is a relatively common eye condition that affects people who have diabetes. The disease develops due to high blood sugar damaging the retina blood vessels. The condition can lead to different symptoms such as blurry vision and, worse, vision loss. 

 

Diabetic retinopathy is a progressive disease, and if not managed, it can lead to total and irreversible vision loss. Early diagnosis helps slow the progression of the disease. There are different stages of diabetic retinopathy. 

 

Causes of Diabetic Retinopathy

Blood sugar, or glucose, is the primary source of energy in the body. But when there is too much glucose circulating in the blood, it can harm the body. The pancreas will typically release insulin, a hormone that helps the cells absorb glucose. 

 

For individuals who have diabetes, the body does not make adequate insulin, or it does not use the insulin produced properly. This leads to an accumulation of glucose in the blood. Frequent high blood sugar levels can affect parts of the body, and this includes the eyes.

 

Stages of Diabetic Retinopathy

The condition can be nonproliferative (early stages) or proliferative (advanced stage). If caught in the early stages, it is possible to control diabetic retinopathy. The disease progresses in four stages. 

 

• First stage: mild nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy
   

• Second stage: moderate nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy
   

• Third stage: severe nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy
   

• Fourth stage: proliferative diabetic retinopathy
  
   

Symptoms of Diabetic Retinopathy

Diabetic retinopathy does not normally exhibit symptoms in the early stages. Some patients have the condition without being aware of it. This is because the vessels do not usually leak in the early stages. An eye exam is necessary to detect the condition in the initial stages. 

 

When the condition gets to the proliferative stage, it exhibits symptoms such as: 

 

• Eye floaters
   

• Distorted vision
   

• Blurry vision
   

• Poor night vision
   

• Reduced field of vision
   

• Loss of vision
   

• Change in colors
  
   

The symptoms often affect both eyes. 

 

Diagnosing Diabetic Retinopathy

The diagnosis of diabetic retinopathy occurs after a comprehensive eye examination. During the exam, the eye doctor will measure visual acuity, peripheral vision, eye muscle movement, and depth perception. Diagnosis may also include measuring the cornea curvature. 

 

Doctors may use fluorescein angiography to look for blood vessel leakage or abnormal growth. The eyes may be dilated using special eye drops to examine the optic nerve. 

 

Treating Diabetic Retinopathy

If not treated early, diabetic retinopathy can cause irreversible vision loss. There are ways to manage the condition. Managing diabetes and blood sugar levels is the first step in treating the condition. 

 

One does this by eating a healthy diet, increasing physical activity, and taking prescribed medication as directed. Keeping the blood sugar at a healthy level can help slow disease progression. Other treatment options include laser surgery, eye medications, and eye surgery known as a vitrectomy.

 

If you have diabetes, get regular eye exams. The exams will allow the doctor to detect signs of diabetic retinopathy. Detecting the condition early will help in effectively managing the disease. Managing cholesterol and blood pressure and avoiding tobacco are vital for preventing diabetic retinopathy.


 

For more on the stages of diabetic retinopathy, contact Today's Vision at our office in Laguna Niguel, California. You can call us at (949) 518-0055 today to schedule an appointment.