What You Should Know About Diabetes and Eye Exams

Symptoms of diabetic retinopathy

In its earliest stages, diabetic retinopathy may cause no symptoms. The initial symptoms may be barely noticeable or mild. Over time, the condition can worsen and lead to partial and then complete blindness.

You should see your doctor if you experience any of these symptoms:

• floaters, or dots and dark strings, in your field of vision
• dark or empty areas in your field of vision
• blurry vision
• difficulty focusing
• vision changes that seem to fluctuate
• altered color vision
• partial or total vision loss

Diabetic retinopathy most often affects both eyes at the same time and in equal measure. If you’re experiencing issues with only one eye, it doesn’t mean you don’t have diabetic retinopathy. However, it might indicate another eye issue. Make an appointment to see your doctor to find an appropriate treatment plan.

The buildup of excess sugar in your blood can lead to a number of health issues. In your eyes, too much glucose can damage the tiny vessels that supply blood to your retina. Over time, this damage may block your blood flow.

Chronic damage to retinal blood vessels affects your vision. When your blood flow is diminished, your eye attempts to fix the situation by growing new blood vessels. The process of growing new blood vessels is called neovascularization. These vessels aren’t as effective or as strong as the original ones. They may leak or rupture, which can negatively impact your vision.

Risk factors for diabetic retinopathy

Diabetic retinopathy is a concern for anyone who has diabetes. There are additional risk factors for developing diabetic retinopathy:

Pregnancy

Women who are pregnant and have diabetes may experience more issues with diabetic retinopathy than women who have diabetes and aren’t pregnant. Your doctor may suggest that you have additional eye exams during your pregnancy.

Length of time with diabetes

The longer you have diabetes, the greater your risk of complications, including diabetic retinopathy.

Poor disease management

Your risks for developing complications are higher if your diabetes isn’t under control. Strict glycemic control is the most effective tool in preventing diabetic retinopathy. Early detection and working closely with your doctor to manage your diabetes is important.

Other medical conditions

Other medical conditions or diseases may also increase your risk of developing retinopathy. They include high blood pressure, heart disease, and high cholesterol.

Ethnicity

African-Americans and Hispanics have a greater risk of developing diabetic retinopathy than the general population.

Smoking

People with diabetes who smoke are more likely to develop retinopathy.

Prevention

The best way to reduce the effects of diabetes on your eyes and the rest of your body is to control your blood sugar levels and maintain a healthier lifestyle. You can do the following to help prevent vision loss and other complications from diabetes:

• Attend regular appointments with your doctor to check your health, including the health of your eyes.
• Don’t skip appointments just because you aren’t experiencing any issues. Some of the most mundane symptoms actually may be a small sign of a bigger problem.
• Contact your doctor right away if anything changes with your health or your vision.
• Quit smoking if you smoke.
• Lose weight if you’re overweight. Weight loss is important in controlling your blood sugar.
• Maintain a healthy weight to help improve your insulin sensitivity and lower your blood sugar levels.
• Eat a healthy, well-balanced diet to help you achieve and maintain an ideal body weight.

Talk to your doctor if you’re having difficulty losing weight or quitting smoking. They can help you develop a treatment plan. Your doctor may also refer you to a dietician who can help you develop a diet that promotes weight loss and a healthy lifestyle.