Most people have heard of diabetes – a common condition that occurs when your body is unable to regulate its own blood sugar levels, meaning that it can get dangerously high or low. What many people don’t realize is that unstable blood sugar levels can affect many different elements of your health, including the health of your eyes.

Diabetic retinopathy is the name of a complication of diabetes that affects the eyes. It is fairly common among people with diabetes, particularly if they have had diabetes for a long time or if their diabetes is uncontrolled. One study has found that 80% of people who have had diabetes for more than 20 years also have diabetic retinopathy.

What is Diabetic Retinopathy?

Diabetic retinopathy primarily affects the retina, a light-sensitive layer of cells found at the very back of the eye which receives light that passes through them and turned them into electrical signals which are sent to our brain. Our brain then interprets these signals to tell us what we can see and how clear it appears. The retina relies on a constant supply of blood to be healthy, and it gets this through a complex network of blood vessels. Persistently high blood sugar levels can eventually cause damage to these blood vessels. This usually occurs in several stages.

Stage 1 – Background Retinopathy

Initially, high blood sugar levels will cause tiny bulges to develop in the blood vessels, and these can leak and bleed a little. However, the impact on your vision will be minimal.

Stage 2 – Pre-Proliferative Retinopathy

As diabetic retinopathy progresses, the bulges will get bigger, and bleeding into the retina will increase. You may find that your vision doesn’t seem as clear as before, which is a result of the bleeding.

Stage 3 – Proliferative Retinopathy

In the most advanced stage of the condition, at this point the blood vessels will be very weak and will bleed easily, causing scarring and vision loss. New, abnormal blood vessels may also be developing which will also bleed and contribute to the issue. Unfortunately, any vision that has been lost as a result of diabetic retinopathy is unable to be restored.

What are the Symptoms of Diabetic Retinopathy?

Most cases of diabetic retinopathy develop very slowly, and this means that it can be weeks, months, or even years before symptoms start to appear. For this reason, diabetic retinopathy is nearly always detected at routine eye exams or diabetic eye screening appointments, rather than as a result of a symptom-prompted appointment. Nevertheless, it can be helpful to know how to recognize the symptoms of diabetic retinopathy. These include:

Can Diabetic Retinopathy be Treated?

While any vision loss as a result of diabetic retinopathy is permanent and irreversible, by getting your diabetes under control and making some positive lifestyle changes, you can prevent any further vision loss. Some of the most common advice your eye doctor is likely to give you will include:
 

• Speaking to your doctor about getting diabetes medication and making sure that you take it as directed
   

• Attending any diabetic retinopathy screening appointments
   

• Attending all other eye appointments as recommended
   

• Eating a healthy, balanced diet
   

• Taking regular exercise
   

• Getting to and maintaining a healthy weight
   

• Stop smoking

If you would like more information about the effects of diabetes on your eyes, visit Highline Eye Care in Flagstaff, Arizona. Call (928) 240-9214 to schedule an appointment.