What is diabetic retinopathy?
Diabetic Retinopathy Symptoms is a potentially sight-threatening complication of diabetes due to damage to blood vessels in a person's retina (the sensitive part of the eye). The damage in the retina is caused by an increase in blood glucose which harms blood vessels. When these blood vessels thicken, they can develop leaks, which can then lead to vision loss and is known as Diabetic Retinopathy. There are different stages of Diabetic Retinopathy, namely Mild Nonproliferative Retinopathy, Moderate Nonproliferative Retinopathy, Severe Nonproliferative Retinopathy, and Proliferative Retinopathy.
how does diabetes affect your retina?
It is caused by abnormal changes in the blood sugar (glucose) of your body that converts energy as fueled to different bodily functions. Uncontrolled diabetes leads to abnormal levels of blood sugar to accumulate in blood vessels, causing damage for your body’s organs including your eyes. Diabetes increases the risk of developing other eye problems, including cataracts and open-angle glaucoma.
What are the symptoms of Diabetic retinopathy?
Diabetic retinopathy usually affects both eyes. You might not have symptoms in the early stages of diabetic retinopathy but symptoms can be typically noticed when the condition gets worse. The Symptoms are
- Blur vision loss
- Color-loss in vision
- Eye-floaters
- Spots/ Patches or dark string in eye vision
- Poor night vision.
When to see a doctor
In case you have the signs and symptoms of any diabetic retinopathy it is always advisable to consult your eye specialist. Its extremely important to detect diabetic retinopathy at an early stage and control it using blood sugar control and wherever required laser or injections for the retina. In more advanced stages, surgery may be the only way to restore/retain vision. If you have diabetes, see your eye doctor at the earliest and have a yearly eye exam even if your vision seems fine. Do a regular eye examination every year or twice a year. Schedule your Online Appointment here.
