What is Diabetic Retinopathy?
Diabetic retinopathy is a serious eye condition that affects people with diabetes. It occurs when high blood sugar levels damage the tiny blood vessels in the retina — the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye. Over time, this damage can lead to vision problems and even permanent blindness if left untreated.
According to the World Health Organization, diabetic retinopathy is one of the leading causes of vision impairment globally, especially among working-age adults.
Causes of Diabetic Retinopathy
Diabetic retinopathy is primarily caused by prolonged periods of elevated blood glucose levels. Over time, high blood sugar can block the small blood vessels that nourish the retina, leading to leakage, swelling, or abnormal new blood vessel growth.
Other risk factors include:
- Duration of diabetes – The longer you’ve had diabetes, the greater your risk.
- Poor blood sugar control
- High blood pressure and cholesterol
- Pregnancy
- Tobacco use
Symptoms to Watch Out For
In the early stages, diabetic retinopathy often has no symptoms. However, as the condition progresses, individuals may experience:
- Blurred or fluctuating vision
- Dark spots or floaters
- Impaired color vision
- Difficulty seeing at night
- Sudden vision loss in severe cases
Regular eye exams are essential because early detection can prevent or delay vision loss.
Stages of Diabetic Retinopathy
- Mild Non-Proliferative Retinopathy
Early stage with small areas of balloon-like swelling in the blood vessels of the retina. - Moderate Non-Proliferative Retinopathy
Blood vessels become blocked, disrupting the retina’s blood supply. - Severe Non-Proliferative Retinopathy
More vessels are blocked, signaling the retina to grow new blood vessels. - Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy
Advanced stage where new, fragile blood vessels grow, which can bleed into the eye and cause serious vision problems.
Diagnosis and Screening
Early detection is key in managing diabetic retinopathy. Eye specialists typically use the following diagnostic tools:
- Dilated Eye Exam
- Fluorescein Angiography
- Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT)
It is recommended that people with diabetes have a comprehensive eye exam at least once a year.
Treatment Options
Treatment depends on the stage and severity of the condition. Common options include:
- Laser Therapy (Photocoagulation): Seals or shrinks leaking blood vessels.
- Anti-VEGF Injections: Prevents abnormal blood vessel growth.
- Vitrectomy: Surgical removal of blood or scar tissue from the vitreous.
- Blood Sugar Control: Managing diabetes is crucial for slowing the disease’s progression.
Preventing Diabetic Retinopathy
While you can’t always prevent diabetic retinopathy, you can significantly lower your risk by:
- Maintaining healthy blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels
- Quitting smoking
- Eating a balanced diet and exercising regularly
- Scheduling regular eye exams
Final Thoughts
Diabetic retinopathy is a preventable and manageable condition — but only with early detection and proper care. If you have diabetes, don’t overlook the importance of annual eye exams. Protecting your vision today means a clearer, brighter tomorrow.
