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Diabetic Retinopathy: How Diabetes Affects the Eyes and Steps to Prevent Complications

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Diabetic retinopathy is a serious eye condition that affects individuals with diabetes. It can lead to vision loss if not managed properly. Understanding how diabetes impacts your eyes and learning preventive measures are crucial for maintaining eye health. In this article, we explore the connection between diabetes and eye health, the stages of diabetic retinopathy, and steps to prevent complications.

 


How Diabetes Affects the Eyes
Diabetes can cause damage to various parts of the body, including the eyes. High blood sugar levels can lead to complications that affect vision in several ways:


1. Diabetic Retinopathy
Diabetic retinopathy is the most common diabetes-related eye disease. It occurs when high blood sugar levels cause damage to the blood vessels in the retina, the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye.


2. Diabetic Macular Edema (DME)
Diabetic macular edema is a complication of diabetic retinopathy. It involves swelling in the macula, the central part of the retina, leading to vision impairment.


3. Cataracts
People with diabetes are at a higher risk of developing cataracts, which cause the eye's lens to become cloudy and impair vision.

 

4. Glaucoma
Diabetes increases the risk of glaucoma, a group of eye conditions that damage the optic nerve, often due to increased eye pressure.

 

 

Stages of Diabetic Retinopathy
Diabetic retinopathy progresses through several stages, each with increasing severity:

 

1. Mild Nonproliferative Retinopathy

  • Description: Early stage where small areas of balloon-like swelling occur in the retina's blood vessels.

  • Symptoms: Often asymptomatic.

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2. Moderate Nonproliferative Retinopathy

  • Description: Blood vessels that nourish the retina are blocked.

  • Symptoms: Mild vision changes may begin to appear.

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3. Severe Nonproliferative Retinopathy

  • Description: More blood vessels are blocked, depriving the retina of blood supply and triggering the growth of new, abnormal blood vessels.

  • Symptoms: More significant vision changes, possibly noticeable.

 

4. Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy

  • Description: Advanced stage where new, abnormal blood vessels grow on the retina and into the vitreous gel of the eye.

  • Symptoms: Severe vision loss due to bleeding or retinal detachment.

 


Symptoms of Diabetic Retinopathy
Early stages of diabetic retinopathy often do not present noticeable symptoms. As the condition progresses, symptoms may include:

  • Blurred or fluctuating vision

  • Dark spots or floaters in vision

  • Difficulty seeing at night

  • Impaired color vision

  • Dark or empty areas in vision

  • Sudden vision loss

 

 

Preventing Complications from Diabetic Retinopathy
Preventing complications from diabetic retinopathy involves managing diabetes effectively and maintaining regular eye care. Here are key steps to protect your vision:
 

1. Control Blood Sugar Levels

  • Monitor Regularly: Keep track of your blood sugar levels through regular monitoring.

  • Healthy Diet: Follow a balanced diet low in sugars and high in nutrients.

  • Exercise: Engage in regular physical activity to help control blood sugar levels.

  • Medications: Take diabetes medications or insulin as prescribed by your doctor.

 

2. Maintain Healthy Blood Pressure and Cholesterol Levels
High blood pressure and cholesterol can exacerbate diabetic retinopathy. Regular check-ups and a healthy lifestyle can help keep these levels in check.


3. Schedule Regular Eye Exams

  • Annual Exams: Schedule comprehensive eye exams at least once a year, even if you have no vision symptoms.

  • Dilated Eye Exams: Ensure your eye exams include dilation to allow a thorough examination of the retina.


4. Quit Smoking
Smoking can increase the risk of diabetic retinopathy and other diabetes-related complications. Seek support to quit smoking if necessary.


5. Manage Other Health Conditions
Conditions such as kidney disease and high blood pressure can worsen diabetic retinopathy. Managing these conditions effectively is crucial for overall health.


6. Follow Treatment Plans
If diagnosed with diabetic retinopathy, adhere to your eye specialist's treatment plan. Treatments may include:

  • Laser Surgery: Used to shrink abnormal blood vessels.

  • Intravitreal Injections: Medications injected into the eye to reduce inflammation and prevent the growth of new blood vessels.

  • Vitrectomy: Surgical removal of the vitreous gel and blood from leaking vessels to improve vision.


Diabetic retinopathy is a serious complication of diabetes that can lead to vision loss if not properly managed. By understanding the connection between diabetes and eye health, recognizing symptoms, and taking preventive measures, you can protect your vision. Regular eye exams, good diabetes management, and a healthy lifestyle are essential steps in preventing complications from diabetic retinopathy. 
 

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For more information on eye health and to schedule an eye exam at Hillside Optometry in Granada Hills, call us at 818-474-2020, 
 

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