Diabetic retinopathy is a complication of diabetes that affects the eyes. It occurs when diabetes damages the small blood vessels in the retina.
In some people, diabetic retinopathy may cause blood vessels to swell and leak fluid; in others, abnormal blood vessels may grow on the retina’s surface. These changes over time can lead to vision loss or permanent blindness.
The longer a person has diabetes, the more likely they are to develop diabetic retinopathy. They may not have any symptoms in the early stages of the disease. However, as it progresses, they might experience:
- Trouble seeing far-away objects
- Seeing dark, floating spots
- Difficulty reading
- Blurry vision
- Poor night vision
- Color blindness or color vision changes
- Blind spots
In addition to having diabetes, other factors can increase the risk of diabetic retinopathy. They include:
- High blood pressure
- Pregnancy (gestational diabetes)
- High cholesterol
- Poor control of high blood sugar levels
- Smoking
You can reduce your risk of diabetic retinopathy by:
- Controlling blood sugar levels by taking medications as prescribed and following your healthcare provider’s care plan
- Quitting smoking
- Managing cholesterol
- Managing high blood pressure
- Maintaining a healthy diet
- Getting regular eye exams
Regular eye exams can help your doctor detect and diagnose diabetic retinopathy early. Timely treatments can reduce the risk of complications or other serious eye conditions.
There are several treatment options available if you develop diabetic retinopathy. They can include injecting medications into the eye, focal laser treatments, scatter laser treatments, or eye surgery.
If you are looking for an eye doctor in Flushing, NY, our ophthalmology clinic provides a range of treatment options for both adults and children. To schedule an appointment, please call 718-670-5486.
All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.