Diabetes is a disease that affects blood vessels throughout the body, particularly vessels in the kidneys and eyes. When the blood vessels in the eyes are affected, this is called diabetic retinopathy.

The retina is in the back of the eye |see diagram|. It detects visual images and transmits them to the brain. Major blood vessels lie on the front portion of the retina. When these blood vessels are damaged due to diabetes, they may leak fluid or blood and grow scar tissue. This leakage affects the ability of the retina to detect and transmit images.

During the early stages of diabetic retinopathy, reading vision is typically not affected. However, when retinopathy becomes advanced, new blood vessels grow in the retina. These new vessels are the body's attempt to overcome and replace the vessels that have been damaged by diabetes. However, these new vessels are not normal. They may bleed and cause the vision to become hazy, occasionally resulting in a complete loss of vision. The growth of abnormal blood vessels on the iris of the eye can lead to glaucoma. Diabetes can also cause your body to form cataracts. Genstler Eye Center expresses the importance of yearly exams to prevent or treat the onset of Diabetic Retinopathy.

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The new vessels also may damage the retina by forming scar tissue and pulling the retina away from its proper location. This is called retinal detachment and can lead to blindness if left untreated.

• There are usually no symptoms in the early stages of diabetic retinopathy
• Floaters
• Difficulty reading or doing close work
• Double vision
• If left untreated, severe vision loss can occur

• Diabetes: Everyone who has diabetes is at risk for developing diabetic retinopathy, but not everyone develops it. Changes in blood sugar levels increase the risk. Generally, diabetics don't develop diabetic retinopathy until they've had diabetes for at least 10 years.

• keeping your blood sugar under control.
• monitoring your blood pressure.
• maintaining a healthy diet.
• exercising regularly.
• getting an eye exam at least once a year.

There are usually no symptoms in the early stages of diabetic retinopathy. Vision may not change until the disease becomes severe. An exam is often the only way to diagnose changes in the vessels of your eyes. This is why regular examinations for people with diabetes are extremely important.

Treatment:

Numerous studies have shown the benefit of early laser treatment of diabetic retinopathy. Diabetic retinopathy should be treated even before symptoms of decreased vision are present.  This means regular, yearly eye exams.

Schedule Your Evaluation or Screening Today!
Call 1-800-New-Eyes or Go Online