How diabetes can affect the retina and why regular eye exams are so important.
Understanding the Risks and Impact on Vision
Early stages may have no symptoms.
Good diabetes control can prevent or slow it.
People with diabetes need regular eye exams.
What Is Diabetic Retinopathy?
Diabetic retinopathy is a complication of diabetes that damages the tiny blood vessels in the retina, the light-sensitive layer at the back of the eye. It usually affects people whose diabetes is poorly controlled or who have had the disease for a long time. High blood sugar can weaken these vessels, leading to poor circulation, fluid leakage or bleeding.
Symptoms
Possible symptoms include:
- Blurred vision
- Floating spots
- Vision that changes from day to day
- In severe cases, loss of vision
The condition often has no early symptoms, which is why regular eye exams are important for catching it early.
Prevention
Tight control of diabetes, together with managing blood pressure and cholesterol, helps prevent or slow diabetic retinopathy.
Treatment
In advanced cases, treatments such as laser therapy, injections into the eye or surgery may be needed to protect vision. People with diabetes should be monitored regularly by an eye care professional.