People who suffer from diabetes risk developing diabetic retinopathy. The eye condition occurs when uncontrolled blood sugar levels damage the retina's blood vessels, leading to symptoms such as blurred vision.
The progressive disease can cause irreversible vision loss. Regular eye exams are vital to detecting and diagnosing the condition. It is necessary to understand the different stages of diabetic retinopathy and their treatment options.
Mild Nonproliferative Diabetic Retinopathy
The earliest stage of diabetic retinopathy is mild and nonproliferative. In this stage, the patient has tiny retinal blood vessels, known as microaneurysms. Fluid leaks into the retina, causing swelling of the macula. It is the section near the middle of the retina.
Moderate Nonproliferative Diabetic Retinopathy
During the second stage, there is increased swelling of the small blood vessels, which begins to interfere with retinal blood flow. It prevents proper nourishment and leads to an accumulation of ocular fluids and blood in the macula.
Severe Nonproliferative Diabetic Retinopathy
In the third stage, there is a blockage in a large section of the retina's blood vessels. It causes a significant reduction in blood flow to the area. The body receives signals to trigger the growth of new, abnormal retinal blood vessels.
Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy
The fourth advanced stage of the disease is proliferative diabetic retinopathy. During this stage, new abnormal blood vessels develop in the retina. These fragile blood vessels are more likely to leak fluid. It causes vision problems such as reduced field of vision, blurriness, and vision loss.
Symptoms of Diabetic Retinopathy
Many people develop diabetic retinopathy and are not aware of it. During the nonproliferative stages, the patient does not usually experience symptoms. Symptoms usually appear when the disease progresses to the proliferative stage.
During an eye exam, a specialist can detect the disease before the symptoms manifest. Symptoms of the disease include:
The symptoms usually affect both eyes simultaneously.
Diagnosing Diabetic Retinopathy
An eye doctor can diagnose the disease during a comprehensive eye exam. The doctor measures visual acuity, peripheral vision, eye muscle movement, depth perception, and corneal curvature during the exam.
A dilated eye exam allows the specialist to examine the optic nerve. The doctor can use fluorescein angiography to check for leakage or abnormal blood vessel growth. The exam involves the use of yellow dye to check the blood vessels.
Treatment for Diabetic Retinopathy
If untreated, diabetic retinopathy can lead to permanent vision loss. Managing diabetes and blood sugar levels can help treat the condition. It includes watching your diet, doing regular exercise, and using medications as directed. Maintaining blood sugar at healthy levels can slow the progression of vision loss.
Treatments depend on the stage of the disease.
Managing blood sugar can help prevent diabetic retinopathy. Your doctor can recommend a healthy diet to help you manage your condition. It is also helpful to monitor your blood sugar regularly.
For more information on understanding the different stages of diabetic retinopathy and their treatment options, visit Bright Vision Family Eyecare at our Flushing, New York, office. Call (929) 666-5048 to schedule an appointment today.
