Diabetic retinopathy is a diabetic complication in which chronic high blood sugar damages the retina's blood vessels, the light-sensitive tissue in the back of the eye. The eye disease management team at Uptown Eyecare can help those who live or work in Hunters Creek or Orlando, FL. We can manage and control the underlying condition and symptoms of diabetic retinopathy.
What Is Diabetic Retinopathy?
Diabetes, when undetected or left untreated, can cause a blood sugar elevation that leads to damaged retina blood vessels. At first, one may begin to recognize blurred vision. However, diabetic retinopathy in later stages has the potential to lead to vision loss. According to the CDC, diabetes is the leading cause of new cases of adult blindness. About 1 in 3 older adults diagnosed with diabetes over 40 have diabetic retinopathy.
Types of Diabetic Retinopathy
An eye doctor or optometrist can diagnose the condition/stage of diabetic retinopathy using a diabetic eye exam. Diabetic retinopathy has two fundamental categories:
- Non-Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy (NPDR): In the early stages of non-prolific diabetic retinopathy, the blood vessels begin to bulge and weaken, and many individuals have no symptoms or vision change.
- Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy (PDR): As NPDR progresses to advanced stages, it becomes proliferative diabetic retinopathy. With PDR, the damaged retina blood vessels encourage abnormal cells to grow, which are weaker and include scar tissue.
Symptoms of Diabetic Retinopathy
While each patient's experience is unique, common symptoms that may cause you to consider a diabetic eye exam include:
- Blurry or changing vision.
- Dark spots may appear.
- Poor night vision.
- Reduced color differentiation.
- Dark or empty areas in one's vision field.
Diabetic Retinopathy Treatment
The various treatment options for diabetic retinopathy depend on the severity and stage of the condition.
- Control blood sugar levels to slow the disease’s progression.
- Laser photocoagulation can lessen abnormal blood vessel growth.
- Intravitreal injections can reduce leakage and abnormal cell growth.
If necessary, there are surgical options for advanced diabetic retinopathy situations. Individuals with diabetes require a yearly diabetic eye exam by an eye doctor as this allows for the best outcomes.
Visit Our Optometrist for Diabetic Retinopathy Care
The eye care professionals at Uptown Eyecare offer various techniques that provide early detection and well-timed treatment options, which is critical to having the best chance to preserve your vision and avoid complications. Call a professional staff member at (407) 855-6132 for an appointment in one of our two Orlando, FL, locations at Hunters Creek and Lake Nona, FL.
