A common complication of diabetes, diabetic retinopathy is a leading cause of vision loss among working-age adults. With early detection and treatment, vision can often be preserved.
Diabetic retinopathy occurs when high blood sugar levels damage the small blood vessels in the retina. Over time, these vessels can leak fluid, swell, or close off completely, leading to vision problems. In advanced stages, abnormal new blood vessels may grow, which can cause bleeding and scarring inside the eye.
There are two main stages:
Early stage with weakened, leaky blood vessels.
Advanced stage where new, abnormal blood vessels grow, increasing the risk of retinal detachment or severe vision loss.
Because symptoms may appear late, regular eye exams are critical for anyone with diabetes.
In the early stages, diabetic retinopathy may not cause noticeable symptoms. As it progresses, patients may experience:
Allows doctors to see inside the eye and detect blood vessel changes.
High-resolution images to check for swelling in the retina.
Identifies leaking or blocked blood vessels.
While diabetic retinopathy cannot always be prevented, treatments can slow progression and reduce vision loss:
The foundation of care.
Reduce abnormal blood vessel growth and swelling.
Seals off leaking vessels or shrinks abnormal ones.
Removes blood and scar tissue from advanced cases.
Living with diabetic retinopathy requires both medical care and lifestyle management:
If you’re living with diabetes, it’s important to work closely with your eye care provider to monitor for signs of diabetic retinopathy. If a retinal condition is suspected, your provider can coordinate specialized care with our team.
