The Symptoms of Diabetic Retinopathy and Their Treatment

Diabetic retinopathy is an eye disease caused by diabetes. Anyone with diabetes is at risk, although risk factors include consistently high blood sugar levels, cholesterol, and blood pressure. Diabetic eye screening can detect this diabetic issue early. Most people with the illness will not lose sight if they make lifestyle changes, take medication, or seek therapy if necessary.

Early stages of diabetic eye disease may not cause apparent symptoms, but screening tests can detect abnormalities at the back of the eye. Later stages of diabetic retinopathy might cause some or severe visual loss. Other eye disorders, such as retinal detachment and glaucoma, are also more likely at this stage. 

Some of the symptoms that can occur at a later stage include:

• Observing floaters or black patches in your vision;
• You have flashing lights in your eyesight;
• Noticing deterioration in your vision, particularly fuzzy picture;
• Eye discomfort or redness;
• An unexpected loss of sight.

Diabetic retinopathy can affect the retina's outer layer at the rear of the eye, the macula in the center, or both. The retina processes light and delivers messages to the brain, which causes us to see. The macula is responsible for our center vision, which helps us perceive small details. This is why if diabetic retinopathy progresses, it can cause vision impairment and, in severe cases, blindness. 

If you are experiencing symptoms, you must seek treatment immediately rather than wait for your next appointment. Speak with your doctor or diabetes team, or look for an online consultation. You may be referred to an ophthalmologist - a specialist in the care of the eyes. 

The Diagnosis of Diabetic Retinopathy

If you are diagnosed with diabetic retinopathy, you will be told what stage you are in. Your diagnosis will be determined by the type of changes that have occurred in your eye:

• Retinopathy as a background condition;
• Retinopathy with pre-proliferative changes;
• Retinopathy with proliferative changes;
• Diabetes-related maculopathy;
• Diabetic eye examination.   

Regular diabetic eye screening helps detect abnormalities in your eyes early. People with diabetes above 12 should have diabetic eye screening appointments at least once a year.

You'll get an eyesight test and a dilated eye examination at your appointment. Eye drops will be administered to dilate your pupils. Detailed images of the back of your eyes are taken, which can reveal abnormalities to the retina before you notice any other symptoms.

A test called optical coherence tomography (OCT) may be performed, in which a special camera is used to obtain a detailed image of the retina. It's not a painful exam; you simply stare into the machine for a few seconds.

Fluorescein angiography is a test that may be required at times. A dye is injected into your arm, which then appears in your eye's small blood vessels. Images of blood vessel alterations induced by diabetic retinopathy are taken. 

The Treatments for Diabetic Retinopathy

The main thing in the early stages of diabetic retinopathy is diabetes management. Controlling your blood glucose, cholesterol, and blood pressure can help reduce the likelihood of the illness worsening.

If your diabetic retinopathy has progressed to the point that it poses a risk to your vision, you may require the following treatments:

• Laser therapy;
• Injections into the eyes;
• Surgery on the eyes.

Diabetic Retinopathy Prevention

If you have diabetes, you can take steps to reduce your chance of developing diabetic retinopathy and prevent it from worsening if you already have it.

A healthy lifestyle can help avoid diabetic retinopathy, therefore, it's necessary to keep your blood glucose, cholesterol, and blood pressure levels under control.

Some people must additionally take medication to treat their diabetes. Other measures to reduce your chance of developing diabetic retinopathy include:

• Controlling your blood sugar levels;
• Never missing your regular diabetic eye screening;
• If you notice any changes in your vision, get immediate medical attention.