Diabetic retinopathy
Diabetic retinopathy is a serious complication of diabetes that can lead to vision loss and blindness if left untreated. It is caused by damage to the small blood vessels in the retina, the light-sensitive layer at the back of the eye.The key points about diabetic retinopathy are:
- Diabetes damages the tiny blood vessels in the retina, causing them to leak fluid, bleed, and form abnormal new blood vessels. This can lead to vision problems and blindness.
- Anyone with diabetes, including type 1, type 2, and gestational diabetes, is at risk of developing diabetic retinopathy. The longer you have diabetes, the higher your risk.
- Early stages of diabetic retinopathy often have no symptoms, so regular eye exams are crucial for early detection and treatment.
- Symptoms can include blurred vision, floaters, dark spots, and difficulty seeing at night.14
- Treatment options include laser therapy, injections of medications into the eye, and surgery to remove blood or scar tissue.
- The best way to prevent or slow the progression of diabetic retinopathy is to tightly control blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels.
In summary, diabetic retinopathy is a serious complication of diabetes that requires regular eye exams and proactive management of diabetes to prevent vision loss and blindness.
