One of the most common complications of diabetes is eye disease. When complications happen mainly in the retina, it is known as diabetic retinopathy. If left undiagnosed and untreated, it can lead to vision loss and even blindness.
The retina is the part of the eye that enables vision. The retina needs a constant supply of blood, which it gets through a network of tiny blood vessels. Over time, high blood sugar levels can damage the walls of the blood vessels in the retina causing them to swell and become blocked. New and weaker blood vessels may form that tend to rupture and bleed.
You may have an increased risk of developing diabetic retinopathy if you have had diabetes for a long time, have long-term uncontrolled high blood sugar (glucose) levels, high cholesterol levels, high blood pressure, and other health conditions.
What are the signs of the diabetic retinopathy?
In the early stages of diabetic retinopathy there are usually no obvious symptoms. Symptoms such as pain and vision disturbances tend to appear as the damage progresses.
Early signs of the condition can be picked up through diabetic eye screening and it is important to perform periodic eye examinations according to the recommendation of your ophthalmologist.
Detecting changes early on allows for changes in lifestyle and/or treatment that may stop it getting worse.
Contact your doctor or diabetes care team immediately if you experience:
- gradually worsening vision
- sudden vision loss
- shapes floating in your field of vision (floaters)
- blurred or patchy vision
- eye redness or pain
How is the eye examination performed?
Screening for diabetic retinopathy is best performed by a dilated eye exam. The test involves examining the back of your eyes for signs of damage. Eye drops are placed in your eye to dilate (widen) the pupil which allows the doctor a better view inside your eyes. The doctor will look for signs of damage in the inner and outer parts of your eyes.
The test is not painful, and you should get a dilated eye exam at least once a year.
How to reduce your risk of developing retinopathy
- Keep a healthy balanced diet
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Get regular exercise
- Do not smoke
- Take your prescribed medication as recommend
- Keep your blood pressure and cholesterol under control
- Check and control your blood glucose and HbA1c
- Get periodic eye examinations by an ophthalmologist even if you think your diabetes is well controlled.
Note that proper and timely treatment prevents deterioration and the onset of a serious illness.
With the Dario App, you can help reduce or delay your risk of developing diabetic retinopathy by getting support in maintaining your blood glucose and blood pressure as much as possible in your target range. Keep monitoring and tagging your glucose and blood pressure.
https://www.nei.nih.gov/ sites/default/files/nehep-pdfs/DED_Flipchart_ENGLISH.pdf
https://www.nhs.uk/ conditions/diabetic-retinopathy/
https://www.mayoclinic.org/ diseases-conditions/diabetic-retinopathy/symptoms-causes/syc-20371611
https://www.webmd.com/ diabetes/retinopathy-causes-treatments