Diabetic retinopathy is a loss of vision due to diabetes. If you have diabetes, you need dilated eye exams every year to promote early detection of diabetic retinopathy, which may save your vision. Diabetes management can help you avoid vision loss. At Bay Ridge Family Eye Care in Brooklyn, NY, our dedicated optometrists treat this eye condition and handle your eye health concerns.
Symptoms of Diabetic Retinopathy
Pre-diabetic retinopathy symptoms include trouble reading or seeing distant objects. It can occur at any time. Red blood cells bleed into the vitreous (a gel-like fluid that fills your eye) in later stages of the disease. At the same time, the spots may fade on their own if you seek treatment immediately. Eventually, non-stop bleeding can worsen or leave scars.
Diabetic retinopathy can cause diabetic macular edema (DME). DME occurs when retinal blood vessels leak into the macula—a part of the retina needed for sharp, central vision—causing blurred vision.
In advanced stages, diabetic retinopathy can lead to glaucoma, a leading cause of vision loss. Diabetic retinopathy can also leave scars behind the eye. Scar tissue can sometimes pull the retina away from the back of the eye in a condition called retinal detachment. Seeing a specialist in diabetic eye care will help slow the progression of the condition.
Causes of Diabetic Retinopathy
Diabetic retinopathy affects many people with type 1, type 2, and gestational diabetes, a type of diabetes that can develop during pregnancy. The good news is that diabetes management can reduce the risk of diabetic retinopathy.
Detecting Diabetic Retinopathy
A dilated eye exam can detect diabetic retinopathy. Testing for diabetic retinopathy and other eye issues is quick and painless. Diabetes patients need regular eye exams. Early treatment of diabetic retinopathy can slow the progression of the disease and may prevent blindness. A fluorescein angiogram is used to diagnose severe diabetic retinopathy.
An A1C test is required to monitor diabetes treatment and average monthly blood sugar levels. So, set an A1C goal with your doctor. A1C goals can help treat diabetic retinopathy. Diabetic retinopathy is linked to high blood pressure or cholesterol. Blood pressure and cholesterol control can help prevent vision loss.
Treatment of Diabetic Retinopathy
Initially, your eye doctor will likely monitor your eyes. In diabetes, dilated eye exams are recommended every two to four months. If you notice changes in your vision, seek treatment immediately. However, treatment can slow the loss of sight. You should also manage diabetes, blood pressure, and cholesterol to reduce your risks. Your specific treatment plan will depend on the severity of your diabetic retinopathy and the doctor's prognosis.
Superior Eye Care in Brooklyn, NY
If you face diabetic retinopathy, contact Bay Ridge Family Eye Care in Brooklyn, NY. Make an appointment with our eye doctor for diabetic retinopathy or any other optometry needs by calling (718) 680-3270 today.