Diabetic retinopathy is a condition that threatens the eyesight of millions globally, often progressing without any warning signs until it's caused irreversible damage. Understanding this condition is crucial for anyone living with diabetes or caring for someone who does.
At Infinity Retina, located in Media, PA, we specialize in retinal care, ensuring our patients receive the highest level of attention and treatment. Led by specialist Dr. A'sha Brown, we are dedicated to managing and mitigating the effects of diabetic retinopathy through early detection and personalized care plans. Schedule an appointment with us to give your vision the protection it needs.
Read our comprehensive guide to learn about the signs and symptoms of diabetic retinopathy, as well as what you can do to prevent and manage this serious eye disease.
How Does Diabetes Cause Diabetic Retinopathy?
Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects how your body turns food into energy, primarily by impacting insulin levels. When blood sugar levels are consistently high, they can damage the blood vessels throughout the body, leading to various issues, including diabetic retinopathy.
Diabetic retinopathy affects the eyes, specifically the retina, which is the light-sensitive layer at the back of the eye. It occurs when tiny blood vessels in the retina are damaged due to high blood sugar levels. In its early stages, the disease might not cause noticeable symptoms, but as it progresses, the damage can lead to more serious issues likemacular edema, when leaking blood vessels cause swelling in the central part of the retina, and proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR).
PDR is a complication of diabetic retinopathy that occurs when abnormal blood vessels grow on the retina, which can leak and create scar tissue. These new blood vessels can lead to further damage to the retina and potentially cause severe vision loss, blindness, and even retinal detachment.
Understanding the risk factors for developing diabetic retinopathy is essential for prevention and management. Some common risk factors include:
- Prolonged Diabetes: The longer you've had diabetes, the higher your risk of developing this complication. It's particularly prevalent in individuals who have lived with diabetes for more than a decade.
- High Blood Pressure: Elevated blood pressure puts additional stress on the blood vessels, including those in the retina, increasing the likelihood of damage.
- High Cholesterol: Excess cholesterol can contribute to changes in blood vessel structure and function, increasing the risk for retinal complications.
Awareness and early detection are crucial, as managing blood sugar levels and monitoring the condition of your eyes can prevent or slow down these complications. Regular eye exams play an essential role in identifying changes early on, allowing for timely intervention to protect your vision.
What Are The Symptoms of Diabetic Retinopathy?
As previously mentioned, diabetic retinopathy might not cause noticeable symptoms in its early stages. However, as it progresses, you may experience the following signs:
- Blurry or distorted vision
- Difficulty seeing at night
- Dark or blind spots in your field of vision
- Colors appearing faded or washed out
- An increased number of floaters in your line of sight
If you experience any of these symptoms, even if they seem minor, scheduling an eye exam is a vital step in preserving your vision. At Infinity Retina, Dr. Brown can help assess your condition and provide guidance on the appropriate treatment options.
How is Diabetic Retinopathy Diagnosed?
Diagnosing diabetic retinopathy involves a series of comprehensive eye exams that help in identifying any abnormalities in the retina and blood vessels. Here are some of the common tests:
Dilated Eye Exam
This is a standard procedure where eye drops are used to dilate (or widen) your pupils. This allows the eye specialist to get a clearer view of the retina. During the exam, your doctor will use a special magnifying lens to look for signs of damage or changes in blood vessels.
The eye drops may cause temporary blurriness or sensitivity to light. It's a painless procedure, and the effects usually wear off within a few hours. You can also ask about Ryzumvi, an FDA-approved eyedrop designed toreverse pupil dilation.
Fluorescein Angiography
In this test, a fluorescent dye is injected into your arm. As the dye travels through the blood vessels in your retina, a camera takes images to detect any blockages, leaks, or abnormal growths. This test helps determine the type and severity of diabetic retinopathy.
Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT)
This non-invasive imaging test captures high-resolution cross-sectional images of your retina. It allows for a detailed analysis of the layers of the retina and can detect any swelling, fluid accumulation, or other abnormalities.
Can Diabetic Retinopathy be Prevented?
Though recent numbers estimate that 26.43% of people with diabetes in the US develop diabetic retinopathy, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk or prevent the condition from worsening. Here are some tips:
- Manage Your Blood Pressure and Cholesterol: Consistently monitoring and controlling your blood pressure and cholesterol levels can significantly reduce the risk of developing diabetic retinopathy.
- Control Your Blood Sugar Levels: Maintaining healthy, stable blood sugar levels is key to preventing retinal damage. This includes taking prescribed medication, following a balanced diet, and exercising regularly.
- Quit Smoking: Smoking increases your risk of developing diabetic retinopathy exponentially. Quitting can help prevent or slow down progression.
- Attend Regular Eye Exams: As mentioned earlier, early detection plays a crucial role in managing this condition. Regular eye exams can catch changes in your retina before they become severe.
By taking these proactive steps, you can significantly reduce your risk of developing diabetic retinopathy and protect your vision.
How Can Infinity Retina Help?
Infinity Retina is led by Dr. A'sha Brown, a board-certified ophthalmologist with specialized expertise in medical retina and uveitis care. With a focus on the medical management of both acute and chronic retinal conditions, Dr. Brown is highly skilled in diagnosing and treating issues like diabetic retinopathy. She leverages advanced techniques and cutting-edge treatments to provide effective care tailored to individual needs.
At Infinity Retina, patients have access to several advanced treatment options, including laser treatment and anti-VEGF medication.
- Laser Treatment: This procedure involves using a laser to seal off leaking blood vessels, reducing swelling and preventing further damage to the retina.
- Anti-VEGF Medication: These medications are injected into the eye to block the effects of a protein called vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), which contributes to abnormal blood vessel growth in diabetic retinopathy.
Besides these treatments, Dr. Brown also offers lifestyle recommendations and education on proper eye health management. With her expertise and compassionate approach, you can trust Infinity Retina for comprehensive diabetic retinopathy care.
Take Control of Your Eye Health Today
Early detection and management are key to protecting your vision from diabetic retinopathy, and at Infinity Retina, our team is equipped to provide expert care tailored to your needs.
Schedule an appointment with Infinity Retina today to benefit from our specializeddiabetic retinopathy services. Let us partner with you to safeguard your eye health and protect your vision.
