People with diabetes face a greater risk of vision loss and developing eye diseases. However, 60% of individuals with diabetes skip their annual eye exams.¹
Regular diabetic eye exams in Blue Island help catch problems early, such as diabetic retinopathy, before they affect your vision. Diabetic retinopathy is the most common cause of vision loss in diabetics.² In this blog, we’ll explore what diabetic retinopathy looks like, the symptoms to watch for, and treatment options to keep your vision clear and healthy.
What is diabetic retinopathy?
Diabetic retinopathy is an eye disease caused by damage to the blood vessels in the retina due to high blood sugar levels. Over time, this damage can lead to vision changes and, in severe cases, vision loss. Early detection through a comprehensive eye exam is crucial for preserving eyesight.
Having diabetes can also increase the risk of developing other eye conditions, including cataracts and glaucoma.
Diabetic retinopathy symptoms
Symptoms can be subtle at first, so it’s easy to overlook them. Look out for signs of diabetic retinopathy, like:
- Blurred or fluctuating vision
- Dark or empty spots in your visual field
- Difficulty seeing at night
- Colors appearing faded or washed out
- Eye floaters or spots
Noticing any of these changes is a signal to schedule a diabetic eye exam promptly. Our skilled eye doctors can catch problems before they progress and help you protect your vision.
Diabetic retinopathy stages
Understanding the stages of diabetic retinopathy can help you know what to expect and why regular monitoring matters. Diabetic retinopathy typically progresses through four main stages:
- Mild nonproliferative: Small blood vessel changes with tiny retinal hemorrhages.
- Moderate nonproliferative: Blood vessels swell and may leak fluid.
- Severe nonproliferative: Significant blockage of retinal blood vessels leads to growth signals for new vessels.
- Proliferative: Abnormal new blood vessels form, increasing the risk of severe vision loss.
Knowing your stage helps guide treatment decisions and gives your eye doctor a roadmap to protect your sight.
Diabetic retinopathy self-care
Even with professional diabetic eye care, the habits you practice daily are important for keeping your eyes healthy. Try these strategies to support your vision:
- Keeping blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol under control
- Eating a balanced, healthy diet
- Exercising regularly
- Avoiding smoking
- Scheduling routine diabetic eye exams and follow-ups
These steps can slow progression, reduce complications, and help your eyes stay healthy longer.
Diabetic retinopathy treatment
Treatment depends on the severity and may include:
- Laser therapy to prevent abnormal vessel growth
- Injections of medications to reduce retinal swelling
- Vitrectomy surgery for severe cases
- Lifestyle and blood sugar management to support overall eye health
Your eye doctor will recommend the best approach based on your exam and condition.
Why you should choose us for diabetic eye care
At Vision Salon Eye Care Associates, we provide personalized care and advanced technology to support people with diabetes. Many diabetic patients come to us for the following reasons:
- Experienced staff trained in diagnostic testing to assist doctors and guide patients under professional supervision
- Investment in advanced equipment exceeding the standard of care for diabetic eye conditions
- Close communication with your primary care physician to stabilize, manage, or prevent ocular complications
- Support for lifestyle changes and pre-diabetic guidance to prevent eye problems
- Affiliated ophthalmic surgeons offering high-level surgical and retinal care
- KNOC out Diabetes Program: Our certified education and support program for healthy living, including simple meals, physical activity, and line dancing classes to maintain overall and ocular health. Most insurance plans cover this program; call our office for details or to enroll.
Keep your eyes healthy and schedule a visit
Taking care of your eyes with regular diabetic eye exams and healthy daily habits can help protect your vision and manage complications early. If you’re ready to schedule an eye exam or have questions about diabetic retinopathy, give us a call or complete our online appointment request form today.
References:
