Symptoms of Diabetic Retinopathy
- Seeing dark spots or ‘floaters’
- Blurred vision
- Seeing blank spots
- Poor night vision
- Seeing faded or washed-out colours
- Partial or total vision loss
It is recommended that diabetics undergo regular eye exams to ensure that the diabetes does not affect the eye. The American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends screening in the following frequencies according to the type of diabetes:
Type-1 Diabetes:
The first eye examination should be conducted after 5 years of diagnosis followed with annual screenings.
Type-2 Diabetes:
Test the eyes immediately after diagnosis followed by annual screenings
Pregnancy Diabetes:
The eye examination should be scheduled during the first trimester
Fluctuating blood sugar can temporarily affect vision even if the patient does not have diabetic retinopathy. If you are a diabetic with vision problems, see an ophthalmologist immediately.
Diagnosis of Diabetic Retinopathy
An ophthalmologist can determine your exact condition with a comprehensive eye examination, which may include one or many of the following procedures:
Visual Acuity Test:
The test determines how well you can see shapes and objects at various distances
Treatment of Diabetic Retinopathy
Diabetic Retinopathy cannot be cured, but timely intervention can slow the progression of the disease. Without treatment, the condition can become severe and the patient may lose vision permanently.
Laser surgery is the preferred option for some patients in preventing vision loss over time. The procedure shrinks abnormal blood vessels and decrease inflammations. It is an outpatient procedure and is performed using local anesthesia.
In advanced cases, the eye specialist may also select a more intrusive surgical procedure known as vitrectomy. The operation removes scar tissue and blood from your eye. The doctor can help your retina in returning to its proper location and prevent further bleeding.