There are many health conditions that can affect one’s eyesight. For example, liver disease, high blood pressure, and diabetes can all lead to noticeable vision changes. Most changes can be reversed with proper treatment, but early diagnosis is essential to ensure the best long-term outcome. Diabetes is especially important to monitor because it can lead to a complication known as diabetic retinopathy. This condition is caused by damage to the blood vessels in the retina, and knowing the symptoms and causes are necessary to reduce one’s risk of developing severe vision loss. 

Symptoms

Diabetes can cause eye diseases like glaucoma, cataracts, and retinopathy. Retinopathy is a fairly common complication of both type 1 and type 2 diabetes. It’s the most widespread cause of blindness among adults, and most diabetics will experience some form of retinopathy in the first two decades of the disease. Early-stage symptoms may not arise for years, but over time, mismanaged blood sugar can create blockages of blood vessels in the eye. This can cause spotty, blurred, or darkened vision, as well as nausea, headaches, colorblindness, far- or near-sightedness, and may even lead to blindness if not treated in time. 

Types and Causes

Retinopathy is a disease of the eye’s retina. When vital blood vessels are blocked, blood supply to the eye is reduced and as new blood vessels grow improperly, they may leak more easily. This presents in two forms depending on the severity of the condition. Nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR) is the earliest form of this condition. As small vessels weaken, tiny bulges emerge from their walls and sometimes leak flood and blood inside the retina. Larger vessels then dilate irregularly, and damage can cause the buildup of fluid known as macular edema. Macular edema can affect vision and requires immediate treatment to prevent permanent blindness. NPDR will generally progress in severity as more blood vessels are damaged within the retina.

Advanced diabetic retinopathy (ADR) is the result of progressive NPDR. With many blood vessels blocked, abnormal growth of fragile replacements can lead to further complications. Scar tissue will eventually cause retinal detachment, experienced as spots, floaters, flashes, or severe vision loss. Patients with ADR may also feel a buildup of pressure as the normal flow of their eye fluid is disrupted. As a result, they may develop glaucoma as their optic nerve is further impaired.

Anyone diagnosed with diabetes is at risk of experiencing these symptoms. The longer one suffers from diabetes, the higher their chances of developing retinopathy. The most notable risk factors are pregnancy, tobacco use, poor glycemic control, high blood pressure and cholesterol, and being of African, Hispanic, or Native American descent. 

Treatment and Prevention 

Unfortunately, diabetic retinopathy is not always avoidable. Thankfully, early intervention can help to reduce symptoms and instances of vision loss. Exact treatment will depend on your age, medical history, and degree of damage, but often includes regular eye exams, injections of corticosteroids, laser surgery, and outpatient vitrectomy procedures. The following are the best ways to reduce your risk of developing diabetic retinopathy. 

• Avoid Tobacco Use 
• Manage Your Overall Health 
• Monitor Blood Sugar Levels Closely 
• Test Glycosylated Hemoglobin (HbA1c) 
• Address Vision Changes Immediately

Those diagnosed with diabetes can suffer from a variety of complications. Retinopathy is just one significant condition which may arise as a natural result, regardless of any preventative measures taken. This condition is common among diabetics, especially as they age, and can lead to blindness if left untreated for long periods. Call your physician or optometrist right away if you experience flashes, holes, black spots, or blurry vision. Please contact us if you’ve experienced any of the symptoms mentioned here or have general questions about vision and diabetes.