Diabetic Retinopathy

What is Diabetic Retinopathy?

Diabetic Retinopathy occurs when high blood sugar levels cause damage to the blood vessels inside the retina. The blood vessels can swell, leak, or they can close which can stop blood from passing through. Sometimes new, abnormal blood vessels can grow on the retina. All of which can decrease your vision.

What are the stages of Diabetic Retinopathy?

There are two stages of Diabetic Retinopathy. The early stage, is known as NPDR (non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy). Many people with diabetes have this stage of the disease. With NPDR, the blood vessels leak causing the retina to swell. When the macula swells, it is called macular edema and this is the most common reason that people with diabetes lose their vision. Blood vessels can also close, which is called a macular ischemia, and blood cannot reach the macula. The more advanced stage of Diabetic Retinopathy is known as PDR (proliferative diabetic retinopathy). In the PDR stage of Diabetic Retinopathy, the retina begins growing new blood vessels, and this is called neovascularization. The new blood vessels often bleed into the vitreous. A small amount of blood may cause a few dark floaters, but a lot of bleeding can completely block your vision.

What are the symptoms of Diabetic Retinopathy?

• Seeing an increased number of floaters
• Blurry vision
• Vision that changes from blurry to clear
• Seeing blank or dark areas in your vision
• Poor night vision
• Noticing that colors appear faded or washed out

How is Diabetic Retinopathy treated?

Treatment options for Diabetic Retinopathy include controlling your blood sugar and your blood pressure, certain medications that help to reduce swelling in the macula, laser surgery that can be used to seal off leaking blood vessels or to shrink blood vessels to prevent them from growing again, or possibly a procedure known as a vitrectomy where an ophthalmologist will remove the vitreous gel and blood from leaking vessels in the back of the eye. There are now injections to reduce the swelling and/or bleeding available from retinal specialists.