What is diabetic retinopathy?

Causes of diabetic retinopathy

If a diabetic person has a high blood sugar level for too long it can result in swelling of the small blood vessels around the retina. Eventually, your eye may begin to grow new blood vessels, but they’ll be abnormal, and underdeveloped. Since the new vessels are weak, there is the possibility of blood and fluid leaking into the retina. As the condition progresses, more blood vessels can become blocked, forming scar tissue. The extra pressure can eventually cause your retina to tear or detach, which may lead to blindness. Anybody with diabetes is at risk for getting diabetic retinopathy. However, there are a few factors that may put you at higher risk, including:

• Poorly or incorrectly managed blood sugar levels
• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol
• Pregnancy
• Tobacco use

How to prevent diabetic retinopathy

Many people with diabetes have some degree of diabetic retinopathy and may not know it. Working with your primary physician to regulate your blood sugar and blood pressure levels can help slow down this condition, or stop it all together. Other steps you can take to prevent diabetic retinopathy include:

• Scheduling an annual eye exam to track the health of your eyes
• Going in for a comprehensive eye exam if you’re pregnant and have diabetes
• Avoid smoking and tobacco products

Testing and diagnosing diabetic retinopathy

If you have diabetes, it’s important that you have an annual eye exam to help identify and treat any issues early on. In order to check for diabetic retinopathy, your eye doctor will administer a test called fluorescein angiography. This test can reveal any changes in your retinal blood vessels. During this test, your eye doctor will inject a fluorescent yellow dye into one of your eye’s veins to help outline the blood vessels. From there, photographs will be taken so any changes in your retina can be examined and noted.

Your eye doctor may also check for glaucoma and cataracts, two conditions that occur more frequently in people with diabetes. Schedule an appointment at your neighborhood Pearle Vision EyeCare Center to check the health of your eyes.