Diabetic retinopathy develops when high blood sugar levels damage the tiny blood vessels in the retina, the light-sensitive tissue at the back of your eye. These blood vessels may swell and leak, or they can close off completely, preventing blood from reaching the retina. In some cases, abnormal new blood vessels may grow on the retina’s surface, but these are fragile and prone to bleeding, which can further impair vision
Why Early Detection Matters
One of the most concerning aspects of diabetic retinopathy is that it often develops without noticeable symptoms in its early stages. Many individuals may not realize they have the condition until it begins to affect their vision. As diabetic retinopathy progresses, you might experience:
- Blurry vision
- Floaters (dark spots or strings that drift in your field of vision)
- Vision that fluctuates from blurry to clear
- Blank or dark areas in your field of vision
- Poor night vision
- Faded or washed-out colors
Who is at Risk?
Anyone with diabetes—type 1 or type 2—is at risk for diabetic retinopathy.
The longer you have diabetes, the higher your risk. Other factors that increase your risk include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, and pregnancy
How Can You Protect Your Eyes?
The best way to prevent or slow the progression of diabetic retinopathy is through proactive management of your diabetes and regular eye care:
- Get a comprehensive dilated eye exam at least once a year. Early detection is crucial, as timely treatment can prevent or minimize vision loss
- Control your blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol. Keeping these numbers within your target range reduces the risk of damage to your retinal blood vessels
- Follow a healthy lifestyle: Eat a balanced diet, stay physically active, avoid smoking, and limit alcohol intake
- Take your medications as prescribed and monitor your blood sugar levels regularly
Treatment Options
If diabetic retinopathy is detected, several treatment options are available depending on the severity:
- Anti-VEGF injections to slow or reverse abnormal blood vessel growth
- Laser therapy to reduce swelling or seal leaking blood vessels
- Vitrectomy surgery for advanced cases with significant bleeding or scar tissue
Diabetic retinopathy is a serious and common complication of diabetes that can threaten your vision if left undetected or untreated. At Fort Lauderdale Eye Institute, our board-certified retina specialists are dedicated to helping you understand, prevent, and manage this condition with the most advanced eye care available.
